Health Canada and the E-cigarette Dilemma
Regrettably, Health Canada has been somewhat reticent in providing comprehensive information about e-cigarettes and their usage among Canadians. Despite the growing popularity of these devices, Health Canada has yet to conduct any substantial testing or research on the topic.
The agency has issued a warning to Canadians, advising against the use of electronic cigarettes. The reason? Health Canada has not fully evaluated the safety, quality, and efficacy of these products, and they may pose health risks. The unfortunate reality is that Health Canada is shifting the burden of proof onto the manufacturers of e-cigarettes.
Health Canada grants market authorization following a successful review of scientific evidence demonstrating safety, quality, and efficacy with respect to the intended purpose of the health product, as outlined in Health Canada’s notice to e-cigarette sellers. This evidence must be provided by the sponsor seeking market authorization. However, as of now, no electronic smoking product has received authorization for sale by Health Canada.
The Catch-22 Situation
In essence, Health Canada acknowledges that they have not evaluated the safety of electronic cigarettes. Yet, they will not conduct tests on electronic cigarettes themselves, citing that these devices fall under the purview of the Food and Drugs Act. Thus, the responsibility lies with the manufacturers.
This creates a seemingly insurmountable hurdle for electronic cigarette manufacturers. The resources and capital required to conduct the testing and research that a foreign government demands are beyond their reach.
The Reality of E-cigarette Businesses
Contrary to what one might expect, all the businesses I have collaborated with to purchase electronic cigarettes and e-liquid have adhered to their own stringent government-regulated standards for the production and distribution of e-cigarettes. These regulations encompass UCS Quality Management systems, GMP Good manufacturing practice, Medical devices Quality management systems approval, CMDCAS ISO approval, KFDA certificate, and TUV-LFGB approval.
Health Canada’s Report: A Summary
Health Canada has issued a report directed at individuals who are using or considering using electronic cigarettes. It is crucial to remember that as a consumer, you have the right to make an informed decision about e-smoking. It is my goal to provide you with all the facts, both positive and negative.
Health Canada’s Advisory on Electronic Cigarettes
Date: March 27, 2009 Location: Ottawa
Health Canada has advised Canadians against purchasing or using electronic smoking products. These products, which include electronic cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, and pipes, as well as cartridges of nicotine solutions and related products, may pose health risks. They have not been fully evaluated for safety, quality, and efficacy by Health Canada.
Currently, electronic smoking products are not compliant with the Food and Drugs Act as Health Canada has not granted them market authorization. Under the Food and Drugs Act, these products require market authorization before companies can import, advertise, or sell them.
In recent months, a variety of electronic cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and cartridges of nicotine solutions and related products have been marketed in Canada and online. Most of these products resemble their conventional counterparts in shape and appearance. They produce a vapor that mimics smoke and a glow that simulates the tip of a cigarette. They consist of a battery-powered delivery system that vaporizes and delivers a liquid chemical mixture, which may contain varying amounts of nicotine, propylene glycol, and other chemicals.
Nicotine is a highly addictive and toxic substance, and the inhalation of propylene glycol is a known irritant. Electronic smoking products may pose risks such as nicotine poisoning and addiction, despite being marketed as a safer alternative to conventional tobacco products and, in some cases, as an aid to quitting smoking. For further information about nicotine and addiction, please visit the Health Canada website.
While no electronic smoking product has yet been authorized for sale in Canada, Health Canada has authorized the sale of several smoking cessation aids, including nicotine gum, nicotine patches, nicotine inhalers, and nicotine lozenges.
Electronic smoking products, including their nicotine cartridges, must be kept out of the reach of children at all times due to the risk of choking or nicotine poisoning. Nicotine is hazardous to the health and safety of certain segments of the population. It Endangers children, youth, pregnant women, nursing mothers, people with heart conditions, and the elderly.
Persons importing, advertising, or selling electronic cigarette products in Canada must cease doing so immediately. Health Canada is providing information to interested stakeholders on how to apply for the appropriate market authorizations and establishment licenses.
Canadians who have used e-cigarette products and are concerned about their health should consult with a health care practitioner.
I suggest you now watch the following video from former US congressman Matt Salmon. It is directed to the FDA regarding e-cigarettes, but it very much applies to Health Canada as well.
