Vaping is not without risk and the potential long-term effects of vaping remain unknown. It exposes users to chemicals that can cause lung damage.

For smokers, vaping is less harmful than cigarettes. Non-smokers, people who are pregnant, and young people should not vape.

British Columbians are reminded that the purchase of vaping products produced outside the legal market may create additional risk as these products are unregulated and potentially unsafe and thereby pose a risk to health and safety. People who vape should also avoid product modifications and the use of additives.

Vaping involves inhaling aerosol or vapour produced by devices like electronic cigarettes. These devices heat liquid into an aerosol that the user inhales into the mouth and lungs, where it is absorbed into the bloodstream. Some products contain nicotine, which is highly addictive, and others may contain cannabis. Further information on vaping is available at HealthLinkBC. 

Health care professionals should ask patients about their use of e-cigarette products and dabbing (breathing in very hot vapours from heating cannabis concentrates) if they have respiratory symptoms. 

Vaping and youth

Children and youth should not use vaping products, with or without nicotine or THC. Youth are particularly susceptible to the negative effects of nicotine which can impact brain development, memory and concentration. The use of nicotine vaping may increase the risk that they go on to use other tobacco products. It is illegal to sell vaping products to people under the age of 19 in BC.