E-cigarettes should not be used by youth, by non-smokers, or by ex-smokers who have quit altogether.
Health Canada has legalized the sale of e-cigarettes with nicotine so that e-cigarettes would be accessible as an option for smokers looking to quit. E-cigarettes are less harmful than conventional cigarettes, but e-cigarettes remain harmful. The Lung Association is especially concerned about the lung health risks of e-cigarettes as long-term risks of e-cigarettes have not yet been done.
If you smoke and have tried other methods to quit but have not succeeded you could try e-cigarettes. Available research indicates that people should completely stop smoking cigarettes to have any harm reduction from using e-cigarettes. The best approach would be to quit altogether, with behavioural support and/or cessation aids increasing the chance of success. E-cigarettes should not be used by youth, by non-smokers, or by ex-smokers who have quit altogether.
Find out more about Health Canada’s perspective on e-cigarettes
