Is it safe to vape? There’s a lot of information out there about vaping. We’re here to help you navigate the risks.
What does the RACGP say?
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners state in the event that people whom have tried first-line therapy and behavioural support but failed and are still motivated to quit smoking, that nicotine vaping products may be a reasonable intervention to recommend along with behavioural support. The long-term effects of vaping on your body have not fully been studied and may have unwanted or unintended effects on your health. Vapes do have inherent dangers that should be considered. Unfortunately on the black market there are fake vapes that can be much more harmful than others, and contain substances that are illegal in Australia.
For more information on RACGP recommendations:
What does the science say?
The World Health Organisation clearly outlines that vaping is not considered safe, though it is “too early to provide a clear answer on the long-term impact.” Similarly, the Australian Government highlights that e-cigs have the potential to be harmful to your health, which is one of the main reasons why nicotine vapes are now only available via prescription in Australia.
How does vaping affect my health?
- One study has found that e-cigarettes could be potentially more addictive than cigarettes
- This study has linked nicotine to increased blood pressure which can also increase the likelihood of a heart attack
- This study shows that vaping could increase your risk of stroke
- This study suggests that young vapers could be more vulnerable to COVID-19
What are the side effects of vaping?
Some potential side effects of vaping include:
- Addiction and cravings
- Lung irritation or coughing
- Mouth or throat dryness/irritation
- Shortness of breath
- Headaches
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhoea
- Light-headedness
- Weight loss.
- Increased blood pressure
- Adrenaline spikes, which can increase your pulse rate
- Palpitations which can increase the likelihood of a heart attack
- Withdrawal symptoms which include
- Cravings
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Frustration
Prohibited ingredients
We recommend you have your prescription filled at an Australian pharmacy as there is a higher likelihood that the product you are receiving complies with the TGO 110 standards. Specifically TGA has restricted 8 main ingredients in e-cigarettes as they are proven to be harmful and illegal ingredients:
- Acetoin
- Benzaldehyde
- Cinnamaldehyde
- Diacetyl
- Diethylene glycol
- Ethylene glycol
- Pentane-2,3-dione (2,3-pentanedione or acetylpropionyl)
- vitamin E acetate (dl-alphatocopheryl acetate)