Electronic cigarette use in adults
Why this indicator is important
An electronic cigarette (also called an e-cigarette or vape) is a battery-powered device used to breathe in an aerosol (vapour/mist), mimicking the act of smoking.[1] Use of electronic cigarettes can cause serious harm to health including nicotine dependency, respiratory problems, and permanent lung damage.[1,2]
Smoking is a major cause of illness and premature death among the NSW population.
- Electronic cigarettes hold liquids often containing nicotine, and hundreds of toxic chemicals and flavourings.[1]
- Scientists and public health experts are still learning about e-cigarettes, but they do not consider them safe.[2]
- While electronic cigarettes do not produce tar, scientists are concerned that vaping could increase individuals’ risk of lung disease, heart disease and cancer.[2]
- From 1 January 2024, the importation of disposable vapes was prohibited in Australia, subject to very limited exceptions.[3] In addition, from 1 March 2024, the importation of all non-therapeutic vapes were banned.[3] These restrictions have been implemented to help address the known health risks associated with electronic cigarette use.[3]
- From 28 January to 30 June 2024 the Cancer Institute NSW is delivering a new campaign, ‘Every vape is a hit to your health’ to young people aged 14 to 24 in NSW. The campaign highlights the health harms and harmful ingredients in electronic cigarettes.[4]
Electronic cigarette use in adults*, by sex and age group, NSW, 2021-2022
About this indicator
This indicator shows electronic cigarette use in adults*, by sex and age group in NSW from 2021-2022.
The graph below shows the percentage of young people in each of the NSW local health districts (LHDs) who report being a smoker.
- Across all age groups 20.3% of males and 14.0% of females had used an electronic cigarette. 7.2% of males and 4.6% of females identified as current electronic cigarette users.
- In the 16-24 age group 45.0% of males and 41.2% of females had used an electronic cigarette. 17.3% of males and 15.7% of females identified as current electronic cigarette users.
*People aged 16 and over
Notes
Data source: NSW Population Health Survey (sourced from HealthStats NSW, Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence, NSW Ministry of Health), Available at: www.healthstats.nsw.gov.au (accesssed August 2023).
References
1. Cancer Institute NSW. Damaging effects of vaping [Internet]. Sydney: Cancer Institute NSW, 2022 [cited 12th March 2024]. Available from: https://www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/prevention-and-screening/preventing-cancer/damaging-effects-of-vaping
2. Department of Health and Aged Care. About vaping and e-cigarettes [Internet]. Canberra: Department of Health and Aged Care, 2024 [cited 12th March 2024]. Available from: https://www.health.gov.au/topics/smoking-vaping-and-tobacco/about-vaping
3. Therapeutic Goods Administration. New regulation of vapes starting January 2024 [Press Release]. 15 December 2023. Available from: https://www.tga.gov.au/news/media-releases/new-regulation-vapes-starting-january-2024
4. Cancer Institute NSW. ‘Every vape is a hit to your health’ [Internet]. Sydney: Cancer Institute NSW [cited 12th March 2024]. Available from: https://www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/prevention-and-screening/preventing-cancer/campaigns/vaping/every-vape-is-a-hit-to-your-health
