Vaping Information
A vape free Mob is a deadly Mob. Make the Deadly Choice to go vape free for a healthier, deadlier you.
Start your quit journey today.
Quitting vaping is a Deadly Choice for your health. Support is available to our Mob ready to start their quit journey. For support, visit your local Community Controlled Health Service or call Quitline.
Benefits of going vape free
There are so many benefits to going vape free for you and your Mob.
Health Benefits
Quitting vaping can help improve your health and allow your body to heal from the damage vapes may have caused3.
Financial Benefits
Making the Deadly Choice to go vape free means freeing up money to spend on the things you love.
Mental Health Benefits
Nicotine dependence can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression. Going vape free can help relieve symptoms as nicotine dependance decreases.
Your Mob’s Health
Going vape free is better for Mob. Vapour contains toxins that can be inhaled by those around you and can cause negative symptoms and aggravate existing chronic health conditions4.
Social Benefits
Getting off the vapes can help offer you the freedom to live without cravings and shame of having to hide the habit. The ability to not need to leave public spaces or hide from friends and family to have a vape can offer you feelings of freedom and relief.
Caring for Country
Many vapes are made from plastic and cannot be recycled due to their nicotine content. If littered or thrown into land fill, vapes can leech toxic chemicals into the earth and take centuries to break down3. Damaging our Country for generations.
Support
Don’t be shame, support is available for Mob ready to start their quit journey.
Contact your local Community Controlled Health Service or Quitline on 13 78 48 for professional support.
You can also reach out to Mob you trust for support and encouragement.
Your support network might include:
- Parents
- Siblings
- Auntie/Uncle
- Cousin
- Nan/Pop
- Teacher
- Health worker
- Friends
- Coach
How to Quit
Making the choice to quit vaping is deadly!
It’s important to remember that you might not fully quit on your first attempt. Keep trying and reach out for help when you need it. Have yarns about your journey with Mob around you and let them know you’re trying to quit so they can support wherever they can.
Let’s yarn about vaping
Where can I get support to quit?
Contact your local Community Controlled Health Service or Quitline on 13 78 48 for professional support.
You can also reach out to Mob you trust for support and encouragement.
What are vapes?
Vapes, also known as e-cigarettes, are devices that heat a liquid to make a vapour that users breathe in (vaping).
Vapes were created in 2003 and research is still discovering the long term effects of vaping.
There is little regulation to control what is in vapes and how they are made; with potentially dangerous ingredients and incorrect nicotine levels identified5.
Why do vapes come in bright colours and sweet flavours?
Vapes, also known as e-cigarettes, are devices that heat a liquid to make a vapour that users breathe in (vaping).
Vapes were created in 2003 and research is still discovering the long term effects of vaping.
There is little regulation to control what is in vapes and how they are made; with potentially dangerous ingredients and incorrect nicotine levels identified5.
Does vaping harm the people around me?
Exposure to vapour can aggravate existing chronic health conditions such as emphysema or asthma4. Your Mob can still inhale your vapour and experience negative symptoms if they are exposed.
Why are vapes so addictive?
Many vapes contain nicotine, which is a highly addictive chemical. It has even been found in vapes that are labelled as nicotine free2.
Nicotine works by activating the brain’s receptors, releasing dopamine (the brain’s feel-good chemical). Once the initial dopamine wears off, the brain craves more. This can be the start of nicotine dependance and addiction.
Once someone is nicotine dependent, they will likely experience withdrawal symptoms if they go too long without it. Withdrawal symptoms often include feelings of anxiety, irritability and restlessness1.
What chemicals are in vapes?
Many vapes contain nicotine, which is a highly addictive chemical. It has even been found in vapes that are labelled as nicotine free2. Nicotine works by activating the brain’s receptors, releasing dopamine (the brain’s feel-good chemical). Once the initial dopamine wears off, the brain craves more. This can be the start of nicotine dependance and addiction.
There are hundreds of chemicals that have been found in vapes. Some of the commonly used chemicals in vapes include:
- Nicotine – Nicotine is the addiction causing chemical found in vapes.
- Formaldehyde – Chemical used to stop decomposition and preserve corpses
- Heavy metals – Metals such as lead and nickel which have been found in even greater quantities than in cigarettes
- Solvents – A substance used in cleaning products and acetone (nail polish remover)
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – Chemicals that evaporate at room temperature and give off VOCs are found in many common household products, such as paints and cleaning products3
- Carcinogenic chemicals – Hundreds of cancer-causing chemicals.
- Flavouring – Vapes may include flavouring that’s safe in food and drinks but not safe when inhaled4
Why are vapes bad for me?
Vapes are linked to many health harms.
The health risks associated with vaping include:
- irritation of the mouth and airways
- persistent coughing
- nausea and vomiting
- poisoning and seizures from inhaling too much nicotine or ingestion of e-liquid
- burns or injury caused by an e-cigarette overheating or exploding
- nicotine dependence
- respiratory problems and permanent lung damage
- harm to the developing adolescent brain.
How do I say no when my friends offer me a vape?
Saying ‘no’ to vapes can sometimes be hard. Remember to respect your own boundaries and confide in someone you trust if you are struggling.
I tried to quit but it only made me feel worse. What do I do?
You likely experienced symptoms of withdrawal. These often include feelings of nausea, anxiety, irritability and restlessness. It’s important to not give up and stay on your quitting journey.
Find more information on how to have a successful quit journey.
References
- Australian Government, Department of Health, Disability and Aging 2024, Questions and Answers on Vaping, Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.
- Chivers, E., Janka, M., Franklin, P., Mullins, B., & Larcombe, A. (2019). Nicotine and other potentially harmful compounds in “nicotine-free” e-cigarette liquids in Australia. Medical Journal of Australia, 210(3), 127-128. https://doi.org/10.5694/mja2.12059
- Australian Government, Department of Health, Disability and Aging 2023, Why quit vaping?, Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, viewed 15 September 2025, https://www.health.gov.au/topics/smoking-vaping-and-tobacco/how-to-quit/why-quit-vaping#improve-your-health
- Tackling Indigenous Smoking. (2023). Facts about vaping (e-cigarettes).
https://tacklingsmoking.org.au/e-cigarettes - Trehy, M., Ye, W., Hadwiger, M., Moore, T., Allgire, J., Woodruff, J., Ahadi, S., Black, J., & Westenberger, B. (2011). Analysis of electronic cigarette cartridges, refill solutions, and smoke for nicotine and nicotine related impurities. Journal of Liquid Chromatography & Related Technologies, 34(14), 1442-1458. https://doi.org/10.1080/10826076.2011.572213
- Truth Initiative. (n.d.). E-cigarettes: Facts, stats and regulations. Truth Initiative. https://truthinitiative.org/research-resources/emerging-tobacco-products/e-cigarettes-facts-stats-and-regulations
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