Electronic cigarettes, also known as ‘e-cigarettes’ or ‘vapes’, are battery-powered devices that heat liquids such as nicotine and other chemicals to make a vapour that the user inhales.
They are available in a variety of flavours and can be packaged to look like everyday items such as highlighters, pens, or USB memory sticks, making them more appealing to young teenagers as they seem “fun”.
The initial idea around electronic cigarettes was to reduce the use of tobacco products, which then lead to the misconception that they were safer to use than regular cigarettes. Although we don’t know the full extent of the effects of vaping it is known to increase the risk of oral cancer, periodontal disease and other life-long effects.
For more information or support services regarding electronic cigarettes, head to – www.health.nsw.gov.au/tobacco/pages/vaping-faqs.aspx
