On the eve of World Anti-Tobacco Day, Bendigo Community Health Services is calling for increased community conversation about the risks of vaping.
With a sharp increase in the number of young people using vapes, BCHS is asking parents, schools and young people to have conversations about the harmful realities of using e-cigarettes.
As noted by key Australian and international health organisations, there is increasing evidence of health-related harm caused by vaping.
BCHS encourages people to learn the facts about vaping, which include:
- Most e-cigarettes in Australia contain nicotine, even those that claim they don’t
- Some e-cigarettes contain as much nicotine as a pack of 20 regular cigarettes
- Vapes contain flavouring such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to a serious lung disease
- Vapes contain volatile organic compounds and other ultrafine particles
- Vapes contain cancer-causing chemicals
- Vapes contain nickel, tin and lead
- People who vape are more likely to take up and become addicted to cigarettes
- Vaping can cause mouth and throat irritation, coughing and wheezing, worsening asthma, chest pain, raised blood pressure, raised heart rate, upset stomach, nausea.
- E-liquids (with or without nicotine) have the potential to cause poisoning if swallowed or absorbed through the skin – and can be fatal
- Sharing vapes could spread viruses such as COVID and Influenza
BCHS Care and Recovery Coordination Practitioner/Family Drug Support worker, Alison Harper, says it’s important for people to know even vapes without nicotine, are harmful.
"Vaping can be wrongly perceived as a less harmful alternative to young people, due to the users inhaling nicotine or other vapour rather than tobacco smoke,” she said.
“Vapes or E-Cigarettes, have been reported to cause explosions when in use and injuries inclusive of blindness, burns, fractured bones, loss of teeth, cuts and bleeding, holes in the tongue and mouth as well as permanent scars - so it's important we spread this awareness too."
BCHS Senior Health Promotion Officer, Siobhan Sullivan, says while it is illegal for people under the age of 18 to purchase a vape in Australia, there are reports of young people being able to purchase vapes under the counter at some retail stores.
Many are also buying vapes containing nicotine, online.
“We are concerned about the high number of young people developing addiction to e-cigarettes,” she said.
“We recommend you approach any conversations calmly, and talk about some of the information you have come across – focusing on your concerns for their health, rather than making judgements or assumptions.”
Bendigo Community Health Services is offering vaping education sessions to schools, focusing on students in the the years 7 – 9 levels. Schools are encouraged to register and/or work towards the Tobacco, Alcohol and Other Drug Health Priority area, in the Achievement Program – which is a free state-wide program, where schools can be recognised by the Victorian Government for creating healthier environments using evidence-based whole school approaches.
For information on the school education program, phone 03 5406 1200 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.