What is vaping?

Vaping is using a device to inhale vapour that may contain nicotine, flavourings, or chemicals from cannabis. The devices may also be called electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes. They may look like pens or flash drives.

What are the safety concerns?

These are some things to consider about vaping.

It can cause a deadly lung injury.

The "vapour" made by vaping contains harmful chemicals. There have been cases of lung disease and death related to vaping. Many of these may be from vaping products with THC (a chemical in cannabis [marijuana]) or other additives. THC changes how you think, act, and feel and can make you feel "high". The exact cause of lung damage is not known.

Vaping products often have nicotine.

Nicotine is addictive. It can be hard to stop using it. Nicotine can be harmful to developing brains, such as in fetuses, children, and young adults. Liquid nicotine can be poisonous if swallowed or spilled on skin. Keep it out of children's reach.

Vaping can expose those around you to second-hand aerosol.

There is a concern about possible health risks from second-hand aerosol exposure.

Vaping devices can catch fire or explode.

Vaping devices can explode. This can cause burns or injuries.

Why quit?

You may have started vaping because you thought it was safer than smoking cigarettes. But vaping has its own problems. There are lots of reasons to stop.

• It can cause a deadly lung injury. The "vapour" made by vaping contains harmful chemicals. There have been cases of lung injury and death related to vaping. Many of these may be from vaping products with THC (a chemical in cannabis) or other additives. The exact cause of lung damage is not known.
• Vaping products often have nicotine. Nicotine is addictive, and it can be hard to stop using it. Nicotine can be harmful to developing brains, such as in fetuses, children, and young adults. Liquid nicotine can also be poisonous if swallowed or spilled on skin. Keep it out of children's reach.
• Vaping can expose those around you to second-hand aerosol exposure and possible health risks.
• Vaping devices can catch fire or explode, causing burns or injury.

How can you say no?

If someone offers you a vape, you don't have to take it. And if you've tried vaping, you don't have to keep doing it. Here are some ways you can say no.

• Look the person in the eye and say "No thanks."

  Sometimes that's all you need to do. Say it as many times as you need to. Also ask the person not to ask you again: "I'm cool with my decision, so don't bother me again."

• Say why you don't want to vape.

  Here are some examples: "If my parents find out, they'll take my car away," or "I have to practice with my band tomorrow and don't want to be short of breath."

• Walk out.

  It's okay to leave a party or group where vapes are being used.

• Offer another idea.

  "I'd rather play video games" or "Let's listen to some music." By doing this, you might also prevent your friend from vaping.

• Ask for respect.

  Make it clear that you don't want to vape and that continuing to ask you is showing no respect for your opinions. "I don't give you a hard time, so why are you giving me a hard time?"

• Think ahead.

  If you think you might go someplace where people are vaping, don't go. But if you do go, think in advance about what you will do if someone offers you a vape.