The Chatham-Kent Public health Unit is stepping up efforts to reduce youth vaping and their exposure to the marketing of those products.
Unit officials are working on strategies to reduce vapour product advertising and marketing in areas where young people have access to them.
Jeff Moco, a youth engagement coordinator, made a presentation at the public health board of directors on Wednesday and told members many products are too enticing to younger audiences with youth-friendly flavourings and product descriptions. Moco said Ontario saw a flood of advertising when the Smoke-Free Ontario Act was changed in the fall of 2017 and removed some of the marketing and promotion regulations regarding vape products in retail stores.
Canadian laws prohibit selling vaping products to anyone under 18 and there are rules surrounding the promotion of such products that appeal to youth and can mislead them about the health effects of vaping.
The popularity of vaping devices has increased in Chatham-Kent and across North America over the past several years with severe lung illness now being linked to vaping. Moco also said an Ontario study has found that nicotine content is being underreported and he added that is leading to other health issues such as accidental poisonings.
He added the public health unit in Chatham-Kent has dealt with several complaints this year regarding students vaping in school buses, bathrooms, hallways, classrooms, change rooms, and on school property outside.
