The increasing rates of vaping in NSW is concerning. Vapes (also known as e-cigarettes or electronic cigarettes) contain many toxic chemicals and are proven to have damaging effects.
There’s a lot we’re still learning about the long-term effects of vaping. But we do know the effects of vaping are real and can cause serious damage to health.
We’re committed to sharing up-to-date information on the growing evidence around vaping and supporting people to quit and be healthy.
What is vaping?
Vaping involves using a battery-powered device (called e-cigarettes or vapes) to breathe in an aerosol (vapour/mist). It mimics the act of smoking.
Vapes hold liquids often containing nicotine, and hundreds of toxic chemicals and flavourings.
When you use a vape, the liquid is heated and transformed into a vapour. The vapour is then drawn deep into your lungs and can cause many health issues.
What is vaping?
Vaping involves using a battery-powered device (called e-cigarettes or vapes) to breathe in an aerosol (vapour/mist). It mimics the act of smoking.
Vapes hold liquids often containing nicotine, and hundreds of toxic chemicals and flavourings.
When you use a vape, the liquid is heated and transformed into a vapour. The vapour is then drawn deep into your lungs and can cause many health issues.
Why we’re concerned about vaping?
Vaping is a growing public health issue and we’re truly concerned by the number of young people in NSW who are vaping.
Around 16.5 per cent of young people aged 16-24 in NSW vape. Around two years ago, that figure was at just 4.5 per cent.
Vapes contain hundreds of toxic chemicals, including those that are proven to cause cancer, like formaldehyde (used in disinfectant) and acrolein (used in weed killer).
As well as being highly addictive, vaping can cause nicotine poisoning, respiratory issues, lung damage, and burns. For more information visit the Vaping harms your health campaign page.
Why we’re concerned about vaping?
Vaping is a growing public health issue and we’re truly concerned by the number of young people in NSW who are vaping.
Around 16.5 per cent of young people aged 16-24 in NSW vape. Around two years ago, that figure was at just 4.5 per cent.
Vapes contain hundreds of toxic chemicals, including those that are proven to cause cancer, like formaldehyde (used in disinfectant) and acrolein (used in weed killer).
As well as being highly addictive, vaping can cause nicotine poisoning, respiratory issues, lung damage, and burns. For more information visit the Vaping harms your health campaign page.
How we’re working to address vaping?
Cancer Institute NSW is working to prevent vaping, and support those who vape to quit.
- We’re delivering anti-vaping campaigns for young people, aiming to prevent uptake and increase cessation. Information for stakeholders about the latest campaign is available here.
- We’re building and enhancing support services to help people who vape to quit. For information on cessation support, please visit Explore quit vaping support.
We hope that by working together, we can significantly reduce the impact of vaping for people in NSW.
In this section
Vaping harms your health. Learn more about the toxic chemicals in vapes, the harm they can cause to your health and how to quit vaping.
Access vaping resources for parents/carers, young people, teachers and health professionals.
The latest vaping campaign toolkit providing access to assets and more information about the campaign.