Research shows that vaping allows tiny particles to be inhaled deep into the lungs. These tiny particles spread and settle throughout the airways. Here these chemicals can cause inflammation, cell death, scarring and DNA damage.  

Experts are very concerned about flavouring chemicals found in vapes. These have been linked to ‘popcorn lung’ (bronchiolitis obliterans). They can cause inflammation, permanent damage and scarring in the small branches and airways in lungs. 

Vapes also contain other chemicals that are toxic to lungs. For example, chlorine (found in disinfectant) and acrolein (found in weed killer).

Doctors and lung experts in NSW have seen people who vape needing hospital treatment for breathing issues and lung damage.  

It’s a myth that when you vape, it’s just water vapour you’re breathing in. Research shows that the vapour can contain hundreds of toxic chemicals. As well as heavy metals, like lead, nickel, chromium and iron.

Here just a few of these toxic chemicals that scientists have found in vapes:

• Formaldehyde – Used in disinfectant and known to cause cancer.
• Chlorine – Found in disinfectant and known to cause lung damage.
• Benzene – Used in bug spray and known to damage DNA.
• Mercury – Found in batteries and known to damage fertility.
• Acrolein – Used in weed killer and known to be toxic to the heart and lungs.
• Arsenic – Used in poisons and known to damage internal organs.

Want to know more about the harmful chemicals found in vapes? View this key report (PDF) listing them and their harms.

Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances ever known. The majority of vapes contain high levels of nicotine, even when they don’t list it on the label. Nicotine can harm the parts of the brain that affect attention, learning, mood and impulse control.

Research shows that every time you vape, nicotine quickly absorbs into your body and reaches your brain within seconds. Here it causes an excessive release of dopamine, a chemical that can make you feel good for a little while. This flood of dopamine is unnatural and is what causes addiction. Within a few hours of vaping, people feel withdrawal symptoms. These include irritability, anxiety, anger, difficulty staying focused and impatience. 

Vapes contain a number of toxic chemicals, such as diacetyl, that can cause inflammation of the lungs. This decreases your oxygen – making it harder to breathe. These dangerous chemicals have been proven to permanently damage your lungs.

Initial symptoms that vaping is causing damage to your lungs can include coughing, wheezing, chest pain or shortness of breath. If you have these symptoms and want help to quit, head to the quit vaping section.

We all know cigarettes cause cancer. It’s been proven for years now. And yet every time you vape, you’re inhaling a lot of the same cancer-causing toxins that are in cigarettes.

Some of the chemicals found in vapes that are known to cause cancer include: formaldehyde, arsenic, acrolein, benzene, nickel, and toluene, just to name a few.

That’s not even including all the other toxic chemicals that are proven to damage internal organs or be potentially fatal if inhaled. For example, cadmium, benzaldehyde, crotonaldehyde and dimethylnitrosoamine.

The long-term harms from exposure to these chemicals won’t be known for many years. But we know that the risk of harm by being exposed to these chemicals is increased by frequent vaping over a period of time. 

Vapes are basically a pod with chemicals and batteries which heat the liquid to create a vapour. There are many reports of vapes exploding or catching fire. They can cause severe burns, often to the face, hands, thighs, chest and genitals. This happens when they explode in people’s hands, pockets or mouths. Vapes can also cause injuries where the parts of the exploding device can be embedded into parts of the body.  

Vape explosions are likely to be caused by the battery short circuiting. This can be because they get too hot, get wet, incorrect charging or battery damage.
 

Nicotine is highly toxic and is classified as a poison. The majority of vapes contain high levels of nicotine, even when they don’t list it on the label. Many people who vape have experienced feeling ‘nic sick’. The symptoms of nicotine poisoning include coughing, nausea, headaches, dizziness, diarrhoea, increased heart rate and vomiting. And, in extreme cases, seizures and passing out. This is why vapes should always be kept out of reach of young children as they can cause serious poisonings.

Concerned someone has nicotine poisoning?

• If they have stopped breathing or collapsed call 000.
• For information and support call the NSW Poisons Information Line on 13 1126.