What is Vaping, and Why is it Dangerous?

Vaping is the inhaling of a vapor created by an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette). E-cigarettes are battery-powered smoking devices. They have cartridges filled with a liquid that usually contains nicotine, flavourings, and chemicals. The liquid is heated into a vapor, which the person inhales, which is why using e-cigarettes is called “vaping”.

The NSW Health Department advise that:

• Many vapes contain nicotine making them addictive
• Vapes can contain the same harmful chemicals found in cleaning products, nail polish remover, weed killer and bug spray
• Vapes can leave young people at increased risk of depression and anxiety
• The nicotine in 1 vape can = 50 cigarettes. Depending on the size of the vape and nicotine strength, it can be much higher
• Young people who vape are 3 times as likely to take up smoking cigarettes
• Vape aerosol is not water vapour
• Vaping has been linked to lung disease.
• Vapes can cause long-lasting damaging effects on the brain and physical development.

Support to quit vaping

Young people should see their General Practitioner, youth health service, or other health services for help to quit vaping.

Quitline counsellors are available to answer any questions about vapes on 13 7848 (13 QUIT). Quitline is a telephone-based service offering information and advice. Quitline counsellors provide tips and strategies, and help people to plan their quit attempts, based on their own needs and preferences. They can also help parents and carers think of ways to approach a conversation about vaping with young people. If you require assistance in a language other than English, Quitline has counsellors who speak Arabic, Cantonese, Mandarin and Vietnamese. For people who prefer to speak in other languages, Quitline uses the Telephone Interpreter Service (TIS).

The Aboriginal Quitline is also available on 13 7848. Run by Aboriginal counsellors, the Aboriginal Quitline is a telephone-based confidential advice and support service.

The Cancer Institute NSW iCanQuit website provides information on quitting methods, links to support groups and top tips to help young people quit.

Too much nicotine from vapes can cause nicotine poisoning. If you think someone has been poisoned by liquid nicotine, please call the Poisons Centre on 13 11 26 immediately or 000 if it is an emergency. For more information see NSW Poisons Information Centre.

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• Health & Wellbeing