Vaping is breathing in an aerosol produced by a vaping device. These devices heat a liquid that you inhale through a mouthpiece into your lungs.
Vaping products are also called e-cigarettes, vapes, vape pens, mods, tanks and e-hookahs. They are usually battery-powered and may contain nicotine, which is addictive.
- What’s in vaping liquid?
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Vaping liquid is often called e-liquid or e-juice. It commonly contains:
- Propylene glycol (PG): A liquid used in some food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. It helps carry flavour and creates a throat sensation when inhaled. The long-term effects of inhaling PG are not fully known.
- Vegetable glycerin (VG): A liquid made from vegetable fats and used in food, cosmetics and medicines. It helps create the aerosol or cloud.
- Flavourings: Added to change the taste and smell of the aerosol. Flavours can make vaping products appealing to young people.
- Nicotine: Some liquids contain nicotine, while others do not. Nicotine is addictive and can cause physical dependence.
Learn more through The A-Z of Vaping.
- What’s in vaping aerosol?
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Vaping aerosol is not just water vapour. It can contain harmful substances, including:
- Tiny particles that can travel deep into the lungs
- Chemicals used in flavourings, including diacetyl, which is linked to serious lung disease
- Volatile organic compounds, such as benzene
- Formaldehyde and other chemicals formed when liquid is heated
- Cancer-causing chemicals
- Heavy metals, such as nickel, chromium and lead
Heating vaping liquid can cause chemical reactions that create new substances not found in the original liquid.
Vaping aerosol is not harmless. The long-term health effects of vaping are still being studied.
- How can vaping affect your health?
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Vaping can affect your health, even if the liquid does not contain nicotine.
Nicotine and young people
The brain continues to develop into early adulthood. Nicotine can affect this development and may make it harder for young people to:
- Concentrate and learn
- Manage emotions
- Control impulses and make decisions
Nicotine is addictive and can cause cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Young people may become dependent on nicotine with lower levels of exposure than adults.
Other health risks
Vaping can:
- Increase heart rate and blood pressure in the short term
- Cause coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath
- Expose you and people nearby to potentially harmful chemicals in the aerosol
- Affect a developing fetus during pregnancy
The long-term health effects of vaping are not yet fully known.
Battery safety
Vaping devices use lithium-ion batteries, which can overheat or explode and cause burns, injuries or fires.
- Can vaping help you quit smoking?
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If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your health.
Nicotine vaping products have not been approved in Canada as smoking cessation aids. Research suggests they may help some adults quit smoking. For adults who cannot quit using approved methods, switching completely from smoking to vaping can reduce exposure to many harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke. Vaping still carries health risks, and using both cigarettes and vaping products does not remove the risks of smoking.
If you want to quit smoking, support is available:
- QuitNow: Get support and resources to help you quit.
- B.C. Smoking Cessation Program: Eligible people can receive coverage for nicotine replacement therapy, such as patches, gum and lozenges, or certain prescription smoking cessation medications. Coverage is available for up to 12 weeks per calendar year.
For more information, visit Health Canada’s vaping information.