End vaping promotions?

Photo: The Canadian Press

A man exhales vapor as he demonstrates the use of his electronic cigarette.

Eight health organizations are calling for urgent action from the federal government to treat vaping like smoking.

The organizations are asking for an interim order to curb the marketing of vaping products, restrict the flavours available and regulate nicotine levels.

The groups say waiting any longer for regulations would only increase risk to Canadians, and they are asking for federal parties to commit to issuing an interim order within 60 days of forming government this fall.

The group of health organizations includes the Canadian Cancer Society, Canadian Medical Association, Canadian Lung Association, Coalition quebecoise pour le controle du tabac, Heart & Stroke, Ontario Campaign for Action on Tobacco and Physicians for a Smoke-Free Canada.

The call comes after a the announcement of a serious vaping-related illness in London, Ont., as well as hundreds of cases in the United States, including seven deaths.

A survey done for Health Canada and published this year found that one-fifth of high school students report using vaping products, as are one-seventh of children aged 13 and 14.