Vapes may expose you to chemicals at levels that have the potential to cause negative health effects. In the short-term this includes vomiting, nausea and irritation to the throat and lungs. Vaping can impact your lungs, fitness and mental health. Importantly, many of the long-term harms of vaping are still unknown.
Serious lung disease
Vaping has been linked to serious lung disease.
Nicotine can harm the developing brain
The brain goes through important changes during puberty and continues to develop until around age 25. Nicotine changes the way brain synapses are formed in young people, which can harm the parts of the brain that control learning, attention, memory and mood.
Vapes have even been known to explode causing serious burns
There have been several cases reported where e-cigarette batteries or devices have overheated, caught fire or exploded. This can cause serious and, in some cases, life-threatening injury, disability and disfigurement.
Long-lasting damaging effects on the brain and physical development
Vapes containing nicotine can cause long-lasting damaging effects on the brain and physical development. The impacts can include impaired attention, learning, memory and changes in mood.
Nicotine poisoning
If e-liquids that contain nicotine are swallowed or absorbed through the skin, it can result in poisoning which can be severe and even fatal. Too much nicotine from using vapes can also cause nicotine poisoning.
If you think someone has been poisoned by nicotine, call the WA Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 immediately (24 hours a day) or 000 if it is an emergency. For more information see the WA Poisons Information Centre (external site).
Mental health risks
Vaping nicotine can make symptoms of depression and anxiety worse.
Regular nicotine use can also make young people more susceptible to experiencing mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
Second-hand exposure to harmful substances
The aerosol that users inhale and exhale from e-cigarettes can expose both themselves and bystanders to harmful substances.