KELOWNA — Kelowna city council is considering banning e-cigarettes in some public spaces after getting a written request from Interior Health.
“Interior Health supports the City of Kelowna to act immediately and amend bylaw to stop the growing use of e-cigarettes in British Columbia,” writes Dr. Trevor Corneil, acting chief medical health officer.
“Concerns about the safety and efficacy of e-cigarettes have prompted Health Canada, the World Health Organization and the US Food and Drug Administration to warn consumers against using them,” he says.
Interior Health says e-cigarettes may contain toxic substances and there’s no proof they help smokers quit tobacco.
The agency has recommended the City expand the definition of smoking in the current bylaw so the use of e-cigarettes and “vaping” be covered under the same regulations as tobacco.
The letter from IHA urges council to consider banning e-cigarettes in all city parks and public spaces including bus shelters.
Council will consider the request at Monday’s regular meeting.
Earlier this month, the provincial government introduced legislation banning the sale of electronic cigarettes to minors and in public buildings.
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