What is e-cigarette?
E-cigarettes heat a liquid to produce a vapor that looks like smoke for the user to inhale. Using e-cigarettes is often referred to as "vaping."
These liquids may contain chemicals and flavorings such as chocolate, bubble gum, and fruity flavors. E-cigarettes may be shaped like cigarettes, cigars, pens, or other common items.
Are e-cigarettes legal?
Nicotine e-cigarette products can only be purchased with a doctor's prescription. This includes nicotine e-cigarettes, cartridges and liquid nicotine. The Act comes into force on 1 October 2021 under the laws of Australian states and territories. Possession or use without a prescription is illegal in all states and territories (except South Australia).
It is also illegal to import nicotine e-cigarette products and cartridges from overseas without a valid doctor's prescription. However, this does not guarantee that all legally sold e-cigarettes are nicotine-free.
You can legally purchase nicotine-free e-cigarettes. It is illegal for manufacturers or retailers to make any therapeutic claims about e-cigarettes. For example, they cannot claim that e-cigarettes can help people quit smoking.
In most states and territories, it is also illegal to use e-cigarettes in legislated smoke-free zones.
Are e-cigarettes harmful?
There isn't enough research on e-cigarettes to know exactly how they affect your health. There is evidence of a link between vaping and lung disease requiring intensive care.
Most e-cigarettes do not contain tobacco. However, the toxic chemicals and flavorings in e-cigarettes can be very harmful.
Most products that involve inhaling chemicals into the lungs go through a lengthy testing process before scientists know whether they are safe and effective. Existing e-cigarettes in Australia have not undergone these tests, so their safety cannot be guaranteed.
Experts are also concerned that teens and young adults who wouldn't try "real" cigarettes may be attracted to e-cigarettes. E-cigarettes have the potential to normalize smoking and become a gateway to smoking.
E-cigarette liquids may harm children
Liquid nicotine refills for e-cigarettes can be very dangerous for both children and adults. They are illegal in Australia. Nicotine is a poison that can be absorbed through the skin. Accidental swallowing of liquid nicotine can be fatal.
Just one teaspoon of liquid nicotine refill is enough to cause permanent injury or even death, especially in children.
Do e-cigarettes help quit smoking?
There is limited evidence that e-cigarettes are effective in helping people quit smoking in the short or long term.
E-cigarettes are not approved as a smoking cessation aid in Australia.
Ask your doctor about nicotine replacement therapy to help you quit smoking . These include patches, gum and inhalers. These medications are usually available over the counter at pharmacies. If you have a prescription, you can get it at a reduced price through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
Can e-cigarettes be used in public places?
You cannot use e-cigarettes in areas where smoking is prohibited. This includes:
- shopping center
- the bus
- train
- Close to children's play facilities
- outdoor dining area
- playground
This provision is valid in all states and territories except Western Australia.
