NSW Health has launched a “Do you know what you’re vaping?” campaign to encourage teens to STOP vaping as concerns increase over what chemicals they may actually be ingesting.
Vapes can contain the same harmful chemicals found in weedkiller, nail polish remover, bug spray and cleaning products. They just don’t put it on the pack.
Unfortunately, the take-up of vaping by young people is increasing. Research shows that 1 in 5 young people 16 – 24 years have vaped.
Do you know what you’re vaping?
NSW Health have shared some great info on vapes.
Vapes are not water. The main ingredient in vapes is propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine or glyercol. Vapes can contain the same harmful chemicals found in cleaning products, nail polish remover, weed killer and bug spray.
Vapes come in a number of flavours such as blueberry or bubble-gum that make them appealing. Many vapes also contain nicotine, the same highly addictive substance found in tobacco cigarettes.
Testing has shown that vapes labelled ‘nicotine-free’ can have high nicotine levels. People can think they are using nicotine-free vapes and can unknowingly quickly develop a nicotine addiction.
Vaping facts
- Many vapes contain nicotine making them addictive
- Vapes can contain the same harmful chemicals found in cleaning products, nail polish remover, weed killer and bug spray
- Vapes can leave young people at increased risk of depression and anxiety
- The nicotine in 1 vape can = 50 cigarettes. Depending on the size of the vape and nicotine strength, it can be much higher
- Young people who vape are 3 times more likely to take up smoking cigarettes
- Vape aerosol is not water vapour
- Vaping has been linked to lung disease.
- Vapes can cause long-lasting damaging effects on the brain and physical development.
Find out more info and advice on how to quit vaping from NSW Health here.
