Understanding the Health Effects of Vaping

This blog is provided for general educational purposes only and is not intended to promote or advertise any therapeutic good

The question of whether vaping is harmful is complex. While vaping products have been available for more than a decade, long-term health data is still developing. As research continues to evolve, understanding both known and potential risks is important.

What Do We Currently Know?
Vaping devices heat a liquid that typically contains nicotine, flavourings and other chemical components such as propylene glycol or vegetable glycerine. When heated, these ingredients form an aerosol that is inhaled into the lungs.

Unlike conventional cigarettes, vaping products do not produce tar- a major contributor to tobacco-related lung cancer. However, this does not mean vaping is risk-free.

Research indicates that heating vaping liquids can generate potentially harmful compounds, including aldehydes and other by-products. Trace metals may also be detected in aerosol from some devices.

Because vaping is relatively new compared to tobacco smoking, long-term health outcomes remain uncertain.

Short-Term and Emerging Concerns
Studies suggest that vaping may affect the lungs and cardiovascular system. Some individuals report throat irritation, cough, nausea or shortness of breath.

Internationally, there have also been reports of lung injuries linked to contaminated or modified vaping liquids. These cases were often associated with unregulated products.

In Australia, nicotine vaping products are regulated as prescription-only medicines. Regulation does not eliminate potential health risks but the framework is intended to ensure manufacturing standards, quality controls and clinical oversight when they are prescribed.

Long-Term Effects
Long-term data beyond several years of use remains limited. Many adult vaping users are former smokers, which makes it difficult to separate the effects of prior tobacco exposure from vaping itself.

Ongoing research continues to examine possible impacts on respiratory, cardiovascular and metabolic health. At present, uncertainty remains regarding long-term risk.

Vaping and Smoking Cessation
Some research has examined nicotine vaping products in the context of smoking cessation. Findings vary between studies, and interpretation should consider differences in study design and follow-up duration. One systematic review suggested that nicotine vaping products may increase short-term quit rates when compared to other approaches.

However:

• Evidence is still evolving
• Long-term cessation outcomes remain unclear
• Continued nicotine use is common among some people who transition to vaping

Importantly, nicotine vaping products are not approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) as first-line smoking cessation therapies.

Other evidence-based options for smoking cessation include behavioural support, nicotine replacement therapy and certain prescription medicines.

The Bottom Line
Vaping does not produce tobacco smoke, but it is not risk-free. Evidence regarding long-term safety remains limited, and research is ongoing.

Anyone considering vaping as part of a quit attempt should seek medical advice to determine whether it is appropriate based on their individual health history and circumstances.

Disclaimer
Nicotine vaping products are prescription-only medicines in Australia and are regulated therapeutic goods.

Evidence regarding their long-term safety and effectiveness continues to evolve. Vaping is not risk-free, and dual use (continuing to smoke while vaping) is not recommended.

Decisions about smoking cessation strategies should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.