E-cigarettes are often marketed as a less harmful alternative to smoking, but they pose significant risks. According to Lung Foundation Australia, e-cigarettes can act as a gateway to nicotine addiction and tobacco use, particularly among young people.
This indicates that experimentation with e-cigarettes encourages smoking, with alarming trends among youth. Half of individuals aged 18-24 have tried e-cigarettes, and current use among young females surged from 2.4% in 2019 to 20% in 2022-2023.
Let’s examine the potential health impacts and the ongoing concerns among healthcare professionals. Knowing these facts empowers you to make smarter choices for your health and overall well-being.
What Are E-Cigarettes?
E-cigarettes, also known as electronic cigarettes or vapes, are battery-powered devices that heat a liquid—commonly referred to as e-liquid or vape juice—to produce an aerosol that the user inhales. This e-liquid often contains nicotine, flavouring agents, and other chemicals, such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acetone (found in nail polish remover). Despite their sleek design and modern appeal, these devices come with risks.
E-cigarettes were initially introduced as a smoking cessation tool designed to help smokers transition away from traditional cigarettes by providing an alternative source of nicotine without the harmful tar and many toxic chemicals found in tobacco smoke. However, they have rapidly gained traction among non-smokers, particularly young people. Understanding the composition and mechanics of these devices is the first step in assessing their safety.
The Anatomy of an E-Cigarette
E-cigarettes come in various shapes and sizes but share similar components. At their core, these devices consist of:
- A cartridge or tank to hold the e-liquid
- A heating element (atomiser) to vaporise the liquid
- A power source, typically a rechargeable battery
- A mouthpiece for inhalation
Some e-cigarettes are designed to resemble traditional cigarettes, while others look like pens or USB sticks. This diversity in design has contributed to their widespread appeal among younger users.
The Vaping Process
Many people are unaware of what they’re inhaling when they vape. The battery powers the heating element when a user activates an e-cigarette by pressing a button or simply inhaling. This element rapidly heats the e-liquid, transforming it into an aerosol. The user then inhales this aerosol through the mouthpiece.
It’s important to note that despite being commonly referred to as ‘vapour,’ the substance produced by e-cigarettes is an aerosol containing tiny particles suspended in the air. This aerosol is made up of more than harmless water vapour. It includes a mixture of chemicals, including nicotine (in most cases), flavouring agents, and other additives like propylene glycol and formaldehyde.
During heating, the e-liquid can also break down into harmful substances such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein. These substances can irritate the respiratory system and, in some cases, cause long-term damage.
The Difference Between Vaping and Smoking
| Aspect | Vaping | Smoking |
| Substance Inhaled | Aerosol (vapour) contains nicotine, flavours, and chemicals like carbonyl compounds, VOCs, TSNAs, metals, and silicates. | Tobacco smoke contains tar, nicotine, and thousands of harmful chemicals like acrolein, lead, and carbon monoxide. |
| Combustion | No combustion; uses a battery to heat liquid. | Involves burning tobacco, producing smoke. |
| Health Risks | Associated with lung damage, addiction, and unknown long-term effects. | Causes cancer, lung disease, heart disease, and other severe illnesses. |
| Smell | Mild or sweet smell, depending on flavours. | The strong, lingering odour from smoke. |
| Regulation | It varies in different countries, and people may require a prescription to buy nicotine-containing products. | Heavily regulated worldwide. |
| Popularity | Increasing among youth and non-smokers. | Declining in many regions due to awareness campaigns. |
Are E-Cigarettes Safer than Smoking?
One of the most common arguments in favour of vaping is that it is safer than traditional smoking. While it is true that e-cigarettes do not produce tar or many of the harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoke, they are still not without risks. According to research, e-cigarettes contain numerous potentially harmful substances, including:
- Nicotine: A highly addictive chemical that can negatively impact brain development in young people.
- Volatile organic compounds: Toxic chemicals like formaldehyde and acetaldehyde can harm the respiratory system and potentially lead to chronic health problems when inhaled regularly.
- Flavouring agents: Chemicals used to enhance the taste of e-cigarettes, which can release toxic substances when heated. Some flavouring agents, like diacetyl, have been linked to serious lung diseases.
Although vaping might pose fewer risks than smoking, it is not a risk-free activity. It comes with many health issues. Let’s explore these issues in the next section.
What Are the Side Effects of Vaping?
Vaping can lead to several short-term side effects, including:
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Eye irritation
- Headaches
- Dryness and irritation in the mouth and throat
- Nausea
These symptoms may vary in severity depending on the individual and their frequency of use.
What Are the Dangers of Vaping?
E-cigarettes may seem like a safer alternative, but they still carry several health risks. Some of the potential concerns linked to vaping include:
Lung Damage
Diacetyl, a chemical found in some vape flavours, can damage the small airways in your lungs. This can lead to bronchiolitis obliterans (“popcorn lung”), which causes permanent scarring and breathing difficulties. Over time, this damage can make breathing harder.
Asthma
Vaping can trigger asthma or make existing asthma worse. It also increases the risk of developing other lung conditions, leaving your respiratory system vulnerable.
Organ Damage
Nicotine and other substances in e-liquids can harm your heart and brain. Nicotine, in particular, can hinder brain development, increase blood pressure, and narrow arteries, affecting overall organ function.
EVALI
E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI) is a severe condition caused by vaping. It damages lung tissue, leading to symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain. In extreme cases, EVALI can also be fatal.
Addiction
Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance that can lead to long-term dependence. Nicotine also affects brain development in teenagers and young adults, increasing the risk of memory and concentration problems. Even products labeled “nicotine-free” often contain trace amounts, making quitting harder than expected.
Transition to Cigarettes
For young people, vaping can act as a gateway to traditional cigarette smoking. This increases the likelihood of long-term tobacco use and its associated health complications.
Second-Hand Exposure
While vaping doesn’t produce smoke, it still releases chemicals and nicotine into the air. This can harm bystanders, especially children and pregnant women, causing respiratory irritation and other health risks.
Device Explosions
There have been cases of vaping device batteries exploding, causing serious injuries and burns to users.
Cancer Risk
Certain chemicals in e-liquids, such as formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, are known carcinogens. These harmful substances enter the lungs during vaping, raising serious concerns about cancer risks. However, since vaping products are relatively new, the long-term effects on cancer development are still unknown.
How Vaping Affects Mental Health
Vaping can have a serious impact on mental health. Research shows that regular nicotine use from e-cigarettes can increase stress and anxiety, making people more vulnerable to depression. In fact, the more nicotine someone consumes, the higher their risk of developing depressive symptoms.
For young people, whose brains are still developing, the effects can be even more severe, potentially affecting their ability to think clearly and manage emotions. The addictive nature of vaping can also create a cycle of dependency, making it harder to quit and worsening mental health over time.
People with existing mental health conditions may experience even stronger adverse effects. Recognising these risks, Australia has introduced new vaping laws to help protect individuals from nicotine addiction and its harmful consequences. Let’s explore these changes.
Regulatory Measures and Public Awareness
The Australian Government’s Department of Health and Aged Care introduced new laws in 2024 to regulate e-cigarettes/vaping. According to this new law, vaping products containing nicotine require a doctor’s prescription. This policy aims to prevent misuse and ensure that
individuals seeking these products do so under medical supervision. Let’s look at some key highlights of this policy:
- As of 1 July 2024, all vapes, whether they contain nicotine or not, can only be sold in pharmacies to help people quit smoking or manage nicotine dependence.
- From 1 October 2024, adults aged 18 and over can buy vapes with a nicotine concentration of 20 mg/mL or less from pharmacies without a prescription. This is only allowed where permitted by state and territory laws.
- People under 18 years can only access vapes with a prescription, but this is allowed only where state and territory laws permit it.
- Flavours are restricted to mint, menthol, and tobacco, and all vapes must be sold in plain pharmaceutical packaging as per regulatory requirements.
These measures aim to reduce harm for smokers while prioritising public health and protecting young people. Public health campaigns also play a critical role in raising awareness about the risks associated with vaping. These educational initiatives encourage smokers to make informed decisions and highlight the importance of lung health.
Advice for Parents and Young Adults
The rise in e-cigarette use among young people is concerning. Parents and guardians can play an active role in discussing the risks of vaping with their children. Open communication and factual information can deter youth from experimenting with e-cigarettes.
Young adults must understand that vaping is not a harmless trend. Staying informed about its potential health impacts can help them make better choices for long-term well-being.
Quitting Vaping and Managing Withdrawal Symptoms
Quitting vaping can be challenging, especially with withdrawal symptoms like irritability, cravings, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms are a natural part of the process as the body adjusts and becomes more manageable over time.
Finding ways to handle withdrawal can make the transition easier. Staying hydrated, eating well, and staying active can help improve mood and reduce cravings. Some people benefit from nicotine replacement therapy or behavioural support, and talking to a healthcare professional can provide guidance tailored to individual needs.
Vaping can impact lung health, sometimes leading to breathing difficulties. A lingering cough, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort could indicate that your lungs need attention. Manse Medical specialises in diagnosing and managing breathing-related conditions. If you’re concerned about your respiratory health, book an appointment with our specialist to assess your lung function and get needed support.
FAQs
Q1. Is Vaping Safer for Non-Smokers?
- For non-smokers, vaping is not safe. It introduces nicotine, leading to addiction and health issues, while harmful chemicals pose unnecessary risks. Flavoured e-liquids often appeal to younger audiences, raising concerns about vaping becoming a gateway to traditional smoking, especially among teens. If you don’t smoke, there’s no reason to start vaping—it’s not a risk worth taking.
Q2. Can Vaping Help Smokers Quit?
- Vaping may help some smokers quit, but it’s not a guaranteed solution. Many people end up using both cigarettes and e-cigarettes, reducing the potential benefits. Health professionals often recommend safer options like nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and behavioural support. It has proven to be a more effective and reliable method for quitting smoking.
Q3. How can I quit vaping?
- Quitting vaping takes time and effort, but it’s achievable with a solid plan. Start by setting clear goals and a quit date. Seek support from healthcare providers or counsellors and explore free quitting resources like apps or hotlines. Lean on family and friends for encouragement, avoid triggers, and find healthy distractions like exercise. Tools like nicotine gum or patches can also ease cravings.
Q4. What is EVALI?
- EVALI, or “e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury,” is a serious lung condition linked to vaping. It is often associated with vitamin E acetate, found in some e-liquids. Symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain. A 2019–2020 outbreak resulted in approximately 2,807 hospitalisations and at least 68 deaths, primarily among young people using THC-containing vapes from informal sources.
Q5. Are there any benefits of vaping?
- None! Vaping is often promoted as a safer alternative to smoking or as a smoking cessation aid. However, it poses significant health risks, including nicotine addiction and lung injuries. While some smokers use it to quit cigarettes, its effectiveness is questionable, and there’s no benefit for non-smokers. The chemicals in vaping devices can still cause serious harm.
Q6. Is it safe to vape while pregnant?
- No, vaping during pregnancy is unsafe. It exposes the fetus to harmful chemicals that can lead to low birth weight, brain damage, and lung damage. The effects of vaping are similar to smoking, making it equally hazardous for the developing baby.
