The health risks associated with smoking are well known.
Smoking increases the risk of developing serious health issues including cancer, lung disease, heart disease and stroke.
But did you know that vaping is also unsafe and can harm your health?
Most vapes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive. Vapes can also contain many other dangerous substances that have been linked to significant health risks.
These include:
- persistent coughing, shortness of breath and lung damage
- nicotine poisoning: symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, diarrhoea and seizures
- burns or injury caused by overheating or exploding devices
- harm to brain development
- difficulty concentrating
- changes in mood, anxiety and other effects on mental health.
Research also shows that younger people who vape but have never smoked are more likely to start smoking.
Trying to quit?
Tips to distract you from a craving
- Delay acting on the urge to smoke or vape for at least 5 minutes – it will pass
- Slowly inhale and exhale
- Sip water slowly
- Do some physical activity, even for short bursts
- Talk to a family member, friend or Quitline counsellor
- Use the My QuitBuddy app
- Remind yourself why you are quitting.
Help is available
- Speak to your Doctor/GP or pharmacist for support and advice on available options to help you quit
- Ask us about our quit smoking program for more information and advice on how to join. The program can also provide support to quit vaping.
- Call Quitline at 13 QUIT (13 7848) for confidential, free advice from professional counsellors
- Visit Quit.org.au for information or Download My QuitBuddy, a free smartphone app designed to support you on your quit journey.
Remember, it may take several attempts to quit smoking completely, so don’t give up on quitting! If you smoke, quitting is the single most effective thing you can do to improve your lung health.
More information:
More respiratory (lung) health resources
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