Item - 2019.HL9.10

The Board of Health:

1.  Requested the Medical Officer of Health to provide an update to the Board of Health during its meeting on September 23, 2019 on the health concerns associated with the use of vapour products.

2.  Requested the Medical Officer of Health to report to the Board of Health at its meeting on December 9, 2019 with a review of the health impacts of vaping and recommendations including, but not limited to, the marketing, advertising, and availability of vaping products, the impacts on youth, data monitoring and dissemination, and recommended actions for all levels of government.

The Medical Officer of Health gave a presentation on Toronto Public Health Update on Vapour Products and Severe Pulmonary Disease.

Recently, there have been several reports in the United States of people suffering from pulmonary illness, and at least one death, related to the use of vaping products. On September 18, 2019, the first incidence of this kind was reported in London, Ontario. The use of vapour products has been on the rise significantly over the past number of years, with little known about the potential negative health impacts for all members of our communities.

Given the growing concerns about the possible health impacts associated with the use of vapour products, I am respectfully requesting an update from the Medical Officer of Health on the issue and further discussion at the Board later this year.