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By Regan Tate

Vaping

Vaping related illness confirmed in Alberta

Jan 2, 2020 | 11:39 AM

Medicine Hat, AB—Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health has confirmed the first vaping-related illness in the province.

The person has received treatment and is recovering home. To protect privacy, no details on the exact nature of the illness, the age of the person affected or where they live have been released.

This case marks the 15th vaping-associated lung illness reported in the country. In September, Alberta physicians were ordered to report all potential cases of vaping illnesses to public health officials. According to a release from Alberta Health, all adverse events have since been investigated.

“We are actively monitoring the situation in Alberta and working with health officials across Canada to share information and better understand this illness. I want to remind all Albertans that vaping has health risks, and the only way to completely avoid these risks is by not vaping,” stated Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Chief Medical Officer of Health.

Public health officials continue to advise Albertans that vaping is not without risk and the long-term health impacts remain unknown. Anytime you breathe unknown substances into your lungs, it can have health impacts.

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Last fall, the Alberta government launched a review of Alberta’s Tobacco and Smoking Reduction Act exploring ways to better protect Albertans from the harms of tobacco, vaping, and tobacco-like products, including addressing the alarming rise in teen vaping. A final report is expected to be provided to the Minister of Health in the coming weeks.