Suggestions that there are no health hazards associated with vapour from e-cigarettes or from marijuana smoke are wrong, says Vancouver Island’s chief medical health officer.
“It’s not harmless,” Dr. Richard Stanwick said.
“In terms of the vape itself, you can actually get heavy metals exceeding levels that are found in tobacco smoke.”
Depending on the substance that is being heated, carcinogens could be present, he said.
For people who suffer from breathing disorders, the fine particles generated by vaping “can find their way deep into the lung and actually trigger an inflammatory response.”
As for cannabis, even regular bud can emit as many as 33 known carcinogens when it is burned, Stanwick said, noting that much of the marijuana now being consumed is heavily contaminated by pesticides and herbicides.
Stanwick is hopeful upcoming changes to federal laws governing cannabis will bring about positive changes.
“I think one of the best things we can do for people who are consuming is get them a quality product that isn’t so adulterated with goodness knows what,” he said.
Stanwick is recommending the Capital Regional District’s clean air bylaw be amended to prohibit burning or vaping of any substances in public spaces covered by the bylaw.
That would prohibit people from vaping or smoking pot in all those areas where smoking tobacco is prohibited — including in workspaces, within seven metres of doorways, windows or air intakes, at bus stops, or in public squares or in parks or at playgrounds.
Stanwick will pitch the idea today to the CRD’s planning and protective services committee.
The bylaw amendment would simplify enforcement as officers would no longer need to determine which substance is being burned or vaped prior to issuing a warning or ticket, CRD staff say.
The change would also bring Victoria in line with other local governments, including those Vancouver, Maple Ridge, Chilliwack, Williams Lake and Kelowna, CRD staff say.
Premier John Horgan said in December that marijuana smokers in B.C. would likely have to abide by the same public smoking rules as tobacco when cannabis becomes legal, which is expected to happen this summer.
British Columbia’s Tobacco and Vapour Products Control Act sets a six-metre smoke-free buffer zone around doorways, air intakes and open windows to public spaces and workplaces.
Stores, offices, and entrances to apartment buildings are considered public spaces or workplaces under the act, which also includes work vehicles, public transit, taxis, cafés, casinos and pubs and bars.
Three years ago, at Stanwick’s recommendation, the CRD expanded its bylaw to make it illegal to light a cigarette at any park, playing field, bus stop, beach or public square in the capital region.
The bylaw extended the no-smoking zones around doorways, windows, air intakes and bus shelters to seven metres from three metres.
