About vaping

Vaping:

  • is inhaling and exhaling a vapour produced by a vaping device, such as an e-cigarette
  • doesn’t require burning like cigarette smoking
  • creates vapour that is often flavoured and can contain nicotine
  • Most vaping substances are liquid, but some vaping devices use wax or herbs.

Know the risks

There are different risks depending on whether you use vaping liquid with nicotine or without.

Most vaping liquids contains nicotine, but not all do. Even if you use vaping liquid that does not contain nicotine, you may be exposed to other harmful ingredients.  

Vaping can:

  • cause coughing, shortness of breath and chest pain
  • increase the risk of heart disease and asthma attacks
  • lead to brain damage
  • produce some cancer-causing chemicals, such as a formaldehyde
  • cause addiction and dependence
  • change brain development in teens
  • cause cognitive and behavioural problems
  • affect memory and concentration
  • reduce impulse control
  • cause nicotine poisoning if swallowed or absorbed through the skin
  • harm your unborn baby if you are pregnant
  • lead to smoking cigarettes, which can be addictive

Harmful ingredients in vapour

When the vaping liquid is heated, the vapour  may contain chemicals. The ingredients typically found in vaping liquids are also found in the vapour. They may include:

  • nicotine
  • propylene glycol (colourless, odourless liquid that produces the smoke-like vapour when the vapour product is exhaled)
  • glycerin (colourless liquid that serves a similar purpose to propylene glycol)
  • flavours
  • heavy metals such as nickel, tin and lead