Majority of Canadians back temporary ban on vaping products, poll finds

A large majority of Canadians support a temporary ban on the sale of vaping products, a new poll has found.

In Research Co’s study – which was based on responses from across the country – 74% of the 1,000-person sample said they would agree to a prohibition.

They were asked if they would like to see a situation similar to that in Massachusetts, where e-cigarettes have been banned for four months following the discovery of lung disease cases thought to be related to vaping.

The idea of a temporary ban is backed all across the country, from 71% of Albertans to 81% of British Columbians.

The poll also found:

• 11% of Canadians say they used a vaping product in the last year (16% in BC)

• 85% want vaping products containing nicotine to display a warning like regular cigarettes

• 73% want vaping to be restricted to the same areas as traditional smoking

• 57% want flavoured products banned

The study also found that 50% of respondents would not date someone who uses e-cigarettes (the rate was 54% in BC).

“When it comes to vaping and dating, there is no gender gap across Canada,” says Mario Canseco, president of Research Co.

“Equal proportions of men and women say they would not consider courting a vaper.”

In mid-October, Dr Bonnie Henry, the BC provincial health officer, said there are several investigations under way in the province that could confirm harm caused by e-cigarette smoking.

"These are the first cases of vaping-related illness in BC, but we fully expect there will be more as this is quickly emerging as a significant public health issue," Dr Henry said.

"Vaping is turning back the clock on decades of effective anti-smoking efforts and creating a new generation of young people addicted to nicotine."