Toronto's board of health is considering a city-wide ban on electronic cigarettes if the Ontario government doesn't restrict use across the province by February.
A report written by Toronto Medical Officer of Health David McKeown recommends that the Ontario Ministry of Health amend the Smoke-Free Ontario Act to prohibit the use of e-cigarettes in public places, as well as a ban on the sales of flavoured e-cigarette products. McKeown also recommends the province ban e-cigarette displays in stores.
According to McKeown's report, the city should give the provincial government six months to make a move, and if the deadline's not met should move forward with municipal legislation banning the use of e-cigarettes wherever smoking is currently prohibited.
E-cigarettes are battery-operated devices that mimic the use, appearance, and taste of conventional cigarettes. When inhaled, a liquid solution is heated and vapourized.
Currently, e-cigarettes that contain nicotine, or that claim they can help users quit smoking, are regulated under the federal Food and Drugs Act. Those without nicotine or health-related claims can be imported, advertised and sold across Canada without restrictions.
"There are possible health risks associated with exposure to second-hand vapour," the report says. E-cigarettes are often cited as a gateway to smoking for adolescents who are encouraged to switch to cigarettes.
The report also notes that overuse of the devices can cause nicotine poisoning, and improper inhalation and handling of their liquid solutions may cause serious injuries.
McKeown recommends the city take action if Queen's Park fails to impose regulations on e-cigarettes by February, 2015. In the meantime, the medical officer of health plans to work with the city manager to develop a policy banning use of e-cigarettes in city workplaces.
Toronto would follow in the footsteps of Peel Region and the York Region school boards, where workplace use of e-cigarettes has already been banned.
The Toronto Transit Commission board is also considering amendments to their smoking laws to prohibit e-cigarette use on TTC property, the report says.
