What you need to know about e-cigarettes

E-cigarettes are less harmful than tobacco cigarettes if you don’t use both (dual use). But e-cigarettes alone can still cause harm. Increasing evidence shows that e-cigarettes can cause serious health issues, including lung and heart problems. E-cigarettes with nicotine are addictive, and using them can lead to dependence. Because e-cigarettes are still quite new, more research is needed to know their long-term effects on your health.

The aerosol from an e-cigarette contains many chemicals, including cancer-causing substances (though there are fewer cancer-causing substances than in tobacco cigarette smoke). Limited evidence in human and animal studies suggests that e-cigarettes can cause genetic changes and DNA damage, which may mean an increased risk for cancer. We need more long-term research to understand the cancer risk from e-cigarettes.

E-cigarettes shouldn’t be used by young people, by people who don’t smoke tobacco cigarettes or by people who have quit smoking tobacco cigarettes altogether. For some people who smoke tobacco, using e-cigarettes may make quitting less likely, such as through dual use instead of quitting altogether.

The best thing for your health is to not use any type of commercial tobacco product or e-cigarette. If you smoke and are thinking about quitting, talk to a healthcare provider or pharmacist to find the right approach to quitting for you. Behavioural support and quit aids increase the chances of successfully quitting.