The truth about vaping: Why it’s not a safe alternative to smoking
As health experts warn against the safety of vaping, more Aussies are taking up e-cigarettes. So what exactly are vapes, what makes them appealing, and are they really that bad?
A global survey found one in 12 teens reported vaping in the past month, while Australian research suggests e-cigarette use among young people is rapidly increasing.
According to the Australian Drug and Alcohol Foundation, teens commonly report obtaining e-cigarettes from friends, siblings or parents, or buying them themselves.
Vape products are marketed to be enticing to young people – available in a range of coloured, scented vapors and slickly designed devices.
“Young people who vape are the targets of a harmful industry intent on hooking a new generation on nicotine,” Quit director Rachael Andersen says.
“Vaping products are promoted online through social media and sold in shops alongside lollies, soft drinks and even toys – often in close proximity to schools and sports clubs where young people gather.
“Bright-coloured packaging (and) sweet flavours like cola ice, strawberry, and even chocolate milk seem to be designed to appeal to kids.
“It’s no wonder young people try vaping.”
What exactly is vaping?
Vaping is inhaling fumes from a substance heated up using a battery-operated vape pen, also known as an e-cigarette.
What’s in an e-cigarette?
Many vapes sold in Australia do not include a full ingredient list, making it impossible for people to know what they’re inhaling.
Vaping liquid, often referred to as e-liquid or e-juice, typically contain substances such as propylene glycol and glycerol, mixed with flavours, and some may include nicotine.
Are vapes harmful?
“Vaping involves inhaling an aerosol of more than 200 chemicals deep into the lungs,” Rachael says.
“These chemicals are the same ones you’d find in paint thinner, bug killer and biofuel.”
Vaping is addictive and not considered safe.
While the long-term harm of vaping is not yet fully understood, an Australian government report found nicotine e-cigarettes may result in adverse health outcomes, including addiction, poisoning, seizures, trauma and lung injury.
The American Heart Association found vaping may negatively impact cardiovascular function by increasing heart rate and blood pressure.
Another medical concern being investigated is bronchiolitis obliterans, known as “popcorn lung”, where lung tissue becomes inflamed, making it hard to breathe.
What do the new Australian laws around vaping mean?
Buying and selling an e-cigarette or any liquid that contains nicotine without a doctor’s prescription is illegal in Australia.
“From 1 January 2024, the Commonwealth Government will implement a ban on the importation of all disposable, single-use e-cigarettes into Australia – regardless of whether they contain nicotine,” Rachael says.
“In parallel with this ban, a new ‘Special Access Scheme’ pathway to prescribe e-cigarettes will begin on 1 January 2024.
“This pathway is intended to reduce the amount of red tape involved for medical practitioners who choose to prescribe an e-cigarette product to help a patient quit smoking.”
Is vaping worse than smoking cigarettes?
While the long-term effects of vaping are not fully understood, health professionals warn against it being promoted as a safe alternative to cigarettes.
“If you smoke, the natural stopping point is when you finish a cigarette,” Rachael says.
“But there is no natural stopping point to vaping; and many devices contain thousands of puffs.”
While vaping is often promoted as a way to stop smoking cigarettes, Rachael says nicotine is known as one of the most addictive drugs.
“Many people who vape don’t know how much nicotine they’re vaping because most unregulated products don’t declare ingredients on the packaging,” she says.
There’s also evidence that people who take up vaping to boot their tobacco habit end up continuing to use both.
A recent ANU study found 53 per cent of people who vape also smoke tobacco.
Common questions about vaping
As vaping use rises, many questions swirl about its potential impacts.
Here are a few that pop up regularly:
Does vaping cause cancer?
Known carcinogens have been found in vape products; however, it’s not yet known if that increases the risk of cancer.
Does vaping make you lose weight?
There is no concrete evidence that vaping can assist weight loss.
Does vaping cause acne?
While there isn’t a lot of research about vaping causing acne specifically, current evidence reveals it has a harmful impact on the body’s organ systems, including the skin.
Does vaping cause erectile dysfunction?
Sorry, fellas! This one has some truth to it according to a recent study, which found links between vaping and erectile dysfunction.
How to quit vaping
The tips for quitting vaping are very similar to those for quitting smoking:
- Start by making the decision you want to stop and identifying times, places and feelings that make you want to vape, so you can prepare to handle these situations.
- Next, rid your house of temptation – empty all bags, pockets and hiding places of vapes, so you don’t have easy access.
- Working out is also proven to help with nicotine withdrawal and is a good distraction tool when you have a craving.
Visit Quit or call the Quitline on 13 7848 for more information and support.
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