Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au
betterhealth.vic.gov.au
  • E-cigarettes simulate smoking (called vaping) without burning any tobacco. A battery powered device heats liquid into an aerosol which is inhaled into the lungs.
  • The liquid inside the e-cigarette contains a complex mix of chemicals including nicotine and toxic chemicals including, but not limited to, nickel, tin, benzene, arsenic, chlorine and lead.
  • E-cigarettes are often mislabelled as being ‘non-nicotine’ but one vape can contain the equivalent nicotine as in 50 tobacco cigarettes.
  • The full health impacts of e-cigarettes are not yet known, however potential dangers include faulty parts, potentially flammable lithium batteries, nicotine addiction and overdose.
  • E-liquids and e-cigarettes are particularly dangerous to young children and can lead to poisoning and even death.
  • E-cigarettes cannot be used in areas where smoking is banned, cannot be displayed at retail outlets and cannot be sold to people under 18 years of age.
  • In Victoria, it is generally illegal to sell, possess or use e-cigarettes that contain nicotine outside of those prescribed by a doctor.
  • The Australian Government recently announced proposed legislation which will ban the importation of all non-prescription vaping products as well as single use vapes. The Australian Government also committed to working with the states and territories to only permit the sale of e-cigarettes in pharmacies.
  • A number of resources are available to help people quit vaping and smoking.

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Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 14-06-2023