The electronic cigarette business is booming, but this still largely unregulated industry remains a mystery to many Canadians who aren’t exactly sure what they are vaping.
E-cigarettes are often described as a less dangerous alternative for regular smokers who can't or don't want to kick the habit. The battery-powered devices use a liquid to produce vapour, which is then inhaled. Some of the vapours are infused with nicotine, some aren't.
In Canada, however, there are no e-cigarettes with nicotine that are legally approved for sale. Electronic cigarettes that do not contain nicotine are legal and readily available, in many places to minors as well, as long as they make no health claim
Under-the-counter nicotine products for e-cigarettes are easy to purchase at vape shops.
The main argument made by e-cigarette proponents is that they have the potential to save lives.
As e-cigarettes don't contain tobacco and produce vapour instead of smoke, they can potentially help smokers quit, either by providing an alternative oral fixation or a substitute nicotine source.
E-puffing skeptics and even Health Canada agree that e-cigarettes are safer than tobacco cigarettes.
It’s the potential long-term effects — and lack of regulation — that have critics shouting the loudest.
Whether they contain nicotine or not, e-cigarettes may pose health risks when consumed in large doses or over long periods of time.
E-liquid contains propylene glycol (PG), a common food additive and flavouring. While PG is considered safe for oral consumption, the health risks of inhaling PG deep into the lungs is unknown.
