Addiction Alert!

HEALTH EFFECTS OF VAPING

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Lung damage caused by e-cigarettes is similar to damage caused by cigarettes. (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)

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Exposure to nicotine and other chemicals in e-cigarettes can damage the lungs. (15)

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The aerosol made by e-cigarettes contains small particles and chemicals, none of which belong in the lungs or body.

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Vaping can increase the risk of having a heart attack and using both cigarettes and e-cigarettes increase the risk even more. (3)

When heated, propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin can produce chemicals like formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. (4)

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Particles in the aerosol can worsen existing lung conditions, make it hard to breathe and cause ear, eye and throat irritation. (4)

E-cigarettes can break down over time resulting in heavy metal particles (chromium, nickel, lead) being found in the aerosol. (5)

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Among youth in the US, there have been hundreds of reported cases and even deaths from SEVERE LUNG DISEASE associated with using e-cigarette products. The first Canadian case was reported in Ontario in September 2019.

WARNING

 

The effects of heating and inhaling chemical flavouring is UNKNOWN.

BUT ISN’T vaping
SAFER THAN SMOKING?

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E-cigarettes may be less harmful than original cigarettes (8), but safer than cigarettes does not mean safe, especially when it comes to someone who has never smoked.

60 years ago, the tobacco industry wanted the public to believe cigarettes were safe.

Is history just repeating itself with vaping?

 

WHAT IS KNOWN SO FAR?

 

What is known
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New information and research about vaping is constantly emerging and will continue to change as time goes on.

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For people who do not smoke, vaping is not a safe or healthy addiction to start.

For people who do not smoke, vaping is not a safe or healthy addiction to start.
Like smoking, vaping affects your COVID-19 risks.
Learn more at COVID-19 & VAPING.

The difference between cigarettes and e-cigarettes

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Smoking cigarettes involves burning tobacco and inhaling the smoke which contains 4000(6) chemicals, 70 of which are cancer-causing. (7)

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When using an e-cigarette the tobacco and burning have been removed. What’s inhaled is an aerosol made when the e-liquid is heated.

VAPING HAS HEALTH RISKS. THE LONG-TERM EFFECTS ARE
UNKNOWN.

Youth and Nicotine
Addiction

Thanks to vaping, a whole new generation is getting addicted to nicotine.

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The developing teenage brain gets addicted to nicotine faster with less exposure compared to adults. (9)

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Nicotine addiction is extremely powerful, develops quickly, and is HARD to quit.

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Most e-liquids contain nicotine which is highly addictive!

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Nicotine changes how the teenage brain develops, affecting memory and concentration, reducing impulse control and sometimes causing behavioural problems. (10)

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Youth who vape may be more likely to switch to cigarettes once addicted to nicotine. (11)

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Becoming addicted to nicotine at an early age may make youth more likely to develop addictions to other drugs. (8, 12)

Nicotine
Poisoning

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Nicotine poisoning is more of a concern with vaping than smoking because of the HIGH levels of nicotine found in e-liquid.

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The design of e-cigarette devices lets the user vape quickly and tuck it away making it easy to hide, something that can’t be done with a lit cigarette.

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The combination of high levels of nicotine plus frequent vaping sessions can lead to nicotine poisoning.

Symptoms of Nicotine
Poisoning

important!
keep e-liquid out of reach from children and pets at all times.

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E-liquid can contain very high levels of nicotine.

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E-liquid containing nicotine has a sweet smell and taste. The bright whimsical labels on the bottle can make them appealing to an unsuspecting child.

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Nicotine in e-liquid can be absorbed through the skin, so even touching it can lead to an overdose.

To learn more about the health effects of vaping visit Health Canada.

Where are youth getting
e-cigarettes?

over 50% of youth report that friends are their most common source.

If potential lung damage & nicotine addiction aren’t reasons enough to not share e-cigarettes

HERE’S ONE MORE:

IF YOU SUPPLY TO ANYONE UNDER 19 EVEN A FRIEND!

...
A few more things to know

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“Off school property” means 2 school bus lengths away from the property edge.

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You can be fined $305 for vaping or smoking on school property, 24/7.

People must be at least 2 school bus lengths away from the edge of school property before smoking or vaping.