Electronic cigarettes

Electronic cigarettes can also be called e-cigarettes, e-cigars, vape pens or personal vapours. They are not approved as an aid to quit smoking in Australia and are not listed under the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods.

How they work

Using these devices is commonly referred to as ‘vaping’. They work by heating liquid, which usually contains nicotine, into a fine vapour for inhalation into the lungs. This creates a mist that is then inhaled. They have a vaporiser, battery, and a cartridge or tank that contains a liquid which may include nicotine, vegetable glycerine, propylene glycol, food-grade flavouring and distilled water.

Safety concerns

Electronic cigarettes and electronic cigarette products may:

deliver unreliable doses of nicotine
leak their contents
be a poisoning risk, particularly for children
not list the presence and/or actual strength of nicotine on the product label
contain other unknown, possibly toxic chemicals
have incorrect or inconsistent labelling and unsafe packaging
encourage the uptake of smoking
have no child safety measures, and
be unsafe to use during pregnancy.

Nicotine is a dangerous poison and can cause serious injury and death. It can be absorbed through the skin. Liquid nicotine refill for electronic cigarettes are particularly dangerous to younger children who might be attracted by the packaging and the use of fruit and confectionery flavouring, such as chocolate, bubble gum, apple, and watermelon.

If you think a child or someone may have been poisoned, don't wait for symptoms to occur. If the person has collapsed or is not breathing, call Triple Zero (000) and ask for an ambulance. Once the ambulance is on its way, call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 for first aid advice. Don't try to make the person vomit unless Poisons Information Centre or a doctor recommend it.

Restrictions on use

Electronic cigarettes (whether they contain nicotine or not) are considered to be smoking products under the Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Act 1998 (PDF) and cannot be used in non-smoking indoor and outdoor areas, sold to children under 18 years of age, or advertised, promoted or displayed at retail outlets.

Read about the tobacco laws and penalties