New Brunswick’s Chief Medical Officer of Health says provincial officials have reported two cases of severe pulmonary illness which have been classified as “probable” in relation to vaping.
Dr. Jennifer Russell says her colleagues across Canada are very concerned about vaping with a specific message for youth to steer clear.
“These products are not legal to be sold to anyone under the age of 19. If you are a friend or relative of someone under the age of 19, you should not be giving these products to them.” Russell said.
New Brunswickers reminded of the health risks associated with vaping: “I remind all New Brunswickers that vaping is not without risk and that the potential long-term effects of vaping remain unknown. " – Dr. Russell, NB CMOH https://t.co/fBqrLrgsT1
— N.B. Dept. of Health (@NBHealth) October 11, 2019
Russell says the New Brunswick Health Council will be releasing information on vaping rates and trends later this fall.
“And if the trend is the same as the rest of Canada then I’m assuming we’re going to see that trend increase which is very concerning because we started to see smoking rates decrease” Russell said.
Dr. Russell says they are encouraging non-smokers, people who are pregnant and young people to not vape.
Her office is working with federal health agencies in light of the confirmed case of vaping related illness in Quebec and other illnesses in Ontario and in the United States.
Anyone who wants to quit smoking or vaping can find help by calling the Go Smoke Free toll-free line at 1-866-366-3667.
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