What Is Vaping - And Why Is It Dangerous?

Many people are moving from traditional cigarettes to vapes, or electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), but are they any better?

Vaping is the inhaling of vapour created by an electronic 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 vapour, which the person inhales, which is why using e-cigarettes is called ‘vaping’.

The NSW Health Department advised that many vapes contain nicotine, making them addictive.

Vapes can also contain the same harmful chemicals found in cleaning products, nail polish remover, weed killer and bug spray.

Vaping can leave young people at heightened risk of depression and anxiety.

The nicotine in one vape can be equal to that found in 50 traditional cigarettes, depending on the size of the vape and nicotine strength.

Young people who vape are three times more likely to take up smoking cigarettes.

Vape aerosol is not water vapour.

Vaping has been linked to lung disease and can cause long-lasting damaging effects on the brain and physical development.

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

Quitline counsellors are available to answer any questions about vapes on 13 78 48 (13 QUIT).

They provide tips and strategies and help people plan quit attempts, based on their own needs and preferences.

These counsellors can also help parents and carers think of ways to approach a conversation about vaping with young people.

For those people with English as a second language, Quitline has counsellors who speak Arabic, Cantonese, Mandarin and Vietnamese.

Quitline also uses the Telephone Interpreter Service (ITS).

Quitline is a telephone-based service offering information and advice. Access the Aboriginal Quitline on 13 78 48.

Run by Aboriginal counsellors, the Aboriginal Quitline is also a telephone-based, confidential advice and support service.

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

Too much nicotine from vapes can cause nicotine poisoning.

If you think someone has been poisoned by liquid nicotine, call the Poisons Centre on 13 11 26 immediately or dial 000 if it is an emergency.

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