First vaping illness confirmed in Alberta
Posted Jan 2, 2020 11:46:54 AM.
Last Updated Jan 3, 2020 06:58:31 AM.
EDMONTON (660 NEWS) – Alberta has its first confirmed case of a severe vaping illness.
The case is the 15th vaping illness reported in the country, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.
In a release, Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Deena Hinshaw said the person with the illness has received treatment and is recovering at home.
“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.”
A final report from the Tobacco and Smoking Reduction Act review led by @JeremyPNixon will be provided to me shortly. Based on its findings, we expect to table new vaping-related legislation this spring.
— Tyler Shandro ???????? (@shandro) January 2, 2020
In September, Dr. Hinshaw named the severe vaping-associated lung illness a condition under the Public Health Act, requiring doctors to report all potential cases.
The UCP government is currently reviewing the province’s smoking and tobacco laws to address the concerns around vaping.
Alberta is currently the only province without vaping legislation.