Vaping is becoming more common in NSW, and that’s a real concern. Vapes, also known as e-cigarettes, contain many toxic chemicals and are proven to have damaging effects on health.
We’re still learning about the long-term effects of vaping, but the evidence is clear - vaping can damage your lungs, mental and overall health. We're committed to sharing the latest facts on vaping and help people quit to stay healthy.
What is vaping?
Vaping is when you use a battery-powered device (a vape, e-cigarette or pod) to inhale a mist or aerosol. It looks similar to smoking.
Vapes contain a liquid that often includes nicotine, harmful chemicals, and flavourings.
When the liquid is heated, it turns into a vapour that is breathed deep into your lungs. This can cause serious health problems.
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 worried about vaping
Vaping is a growing public health issue, especially among young people.
In NSW, about 18.9% of young people aged 16-24 vape - which is over three times the rate from two years ago.
Vapes contain hundreds of toxic chemicals, including ones known 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, breathing problems,, lung damage, and burns.
For more information visit the Vaping harms your health campaign page.
How we’re taking action
At Cancer Institute NSW, we’re working to prevent people vaping, and support those who want to quit.
- We’re raising awareness by delivering anti-vaping campaigns for young people, aiming to stop young people from starting and help those who want to quit. Information for stakeholders about the latest campaign is available here.
- We’re building and enhancing support services to help people who vape, to quit. The new free Pave vaping cessation support app can help you become vape-free. It will offer daily opportunities to learn and grow as you're guided on the best ways to give up vaping. Pave is available on the Apple store and Google Play for download.
For more information on cessation support, please visit Explore quit vaping support.
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.