E-cigarettes, also known as vapes, are filled with liquids which typically contain nicotine, artificial flavourings and various chemicals. The liquid is heated into a vapour which is then inhaled into the users lungs. Unlike cigarettes, they do not contain tobacco. Electronic cigarettes can be harmful to users and non-users who are exposed to the aerosols second-hand. Some products claiming to be nicotine-free have been found to contain nicotine, which is highly addictive.
Vapes have been manufactured and marketed to target young people, which has led to an increase of vaping in younger demographics. In 2021-2022, the NSW Population Health Survey showed that 16.5% of people aged 16-24 years were vaping; up from 4.5% two years prior[1].
Nicotine exposure in pregnant women can adversely affect the development of the fetus, and the consumption of nicotine in children and adolescents has negative impacts on brain development, leading to long-term consequences for brain development and potentially leading to learning and anxiety disorders[2].
The use of electronic cigarettes pose health risks. The general harms that vapes can cause to people exposed to the vapor include:
- Nicotine addiction
- Nicotine poisoning
- Throat irritation
- Breathlessness
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Lung damage
How Health Professionals Can Help Young People Avoid or Stop Vaping
NSW Health recommends that health professionals and those who work with young people consider their individual needs when determining the most appropriate support. Some young people may seek help to manage e-cigarette cravings and symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, while others may be more motivated to quit entirely. Some people may require additional support from more specialised services where additional needs are identified, such as mental ill-health or co-existing substance use disorders.
NSW Health has developed resources to support health professionals and others who work with young people to effectively address vaping, support young people to manage nicotine withdrawals and assist young people in quitting. The resources include a health professionals guide that outlines strategies on how to support their patients, informative factsheets to share with their patients, posters to display in their practice and translated information. Please visit the NSW Health website to access their Vaping Resources Hub.
Western Sydney HealthPathways offers health professionals in Western Sydney access to a range of clinically accurate, up-to-date information and resources. This includes the Substance Use in Children and Adolescents pathway to help them health professionals assess, manage and refer young patients using substances. If you require the log in details, please contact our HealthPathways team at healthpathways@wentwest.com.au
Information is correct as of 15 February 2024.
[1] Prue Car (2024), Young people at the centre of powerful new vaping campaign, NSW Health. Accessed by: https://www.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/new-anti-vaping-campaign
[2] World Health Organisation (2024), Q&A, Tobacco: E-cigarettes. Access by: https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/tobacco-e-cigarettes