Information about vaping

Vapes (also called e-cigarettes) are battery-powered devices that heat a liquid called e-liquid or “juice” into a vapor that people breathe in.

Vape liquid usually has nicotine, which is very addictive, and chemicals for flavor.

It also has sticky substances like propylene glycol and glycerol. Many vape liquids have harmful chemicals, including metals like arsenic and chemicals such as formaldehyde, which can cause cancer.

Vaping is not safe. It can harm your lungs, heart, and brain. Some people who vape show signs of lung damage and may have a higher risk of lung disease later.

Chemicals in vapes can also raise blood pressure and heart rate. Vape devices can explode and cause burns, and the liquid inside is poisonous if swallowed.

Young people who vape are more likely to start smoking cigarettes. Nicotine can change how the brain grows, making it harder to think and learn. There is no safe level of vaping.

Vapes also harm the environment. Most are made of single-use plastic and contain batteries that can leak chemicals into soil and water. They can cause fires in landfills, and there are no recycling programs for them.

In Australia, vapes can only be sold in pharmacies to help people quit smoking. Adults can buy limited supplies after talking to a pharmacist.