Health risks
Most young people are smart enough to know that nicotine isn’t harmless.
But there are a lot of mixed messages out there, so it’s hard to know the full extent of the risks.
The myth: “Vaping is safe because it’s smoke-free”
The facts
Most vapes, snus and pouches contain nicotine and other chemicals. These affect your brain and mood, not just your lungs.
So while vaping may be better than smoking if you’re trying to give up real cigarettes, it’s definitely not “safe”.
Vapes can contain:
- Nicotine → very addictive and messes with focus and mood
- Formaldehyde → irritates your lungs (and also found in cleaning products!)
- Acrolein → can damage your airways
- Diacetyl → linked to serious lung disease
- Heavy metals like lead and nickel → can get into your lungs from the device’s coil
Fake or illegal vapes can be even riskier, because nobody’s checking what’s inside them. They can contain extra toxic chemicals or illegal drugs, and you won’t know.
The myth: “Nicotine helps you relax”
The facts
Nicotine might give you a short lift, but in the long run it makes stress and anxiety worse. It tricks you into thinking it’s relieving anxiety, when it’s the nicotine that’s causing your anxiety in the first place.
Many young people (and adults too) say that they need to vape or smoke to calm down, or to numb or mask strong feelings. But they don’t realise they’re caught in a loop.
It’s much healthier, and it regulates your nervous system much better, to find other ways to relax - like meditation, deep breathing or exercise.
The myth: “Nicotine only affects your lungs”
The facts
Nicotine certainly affects your lungs and airways (making sports and exercise harder).
But it also affects your brain, mood, heart, gums, and the rest of your body.
Your heart
Raises heart rate and blood pressure (increasing risk of heart problems in later life)
Your brain
- It’s harder to focus, learn and stay on task
- Brain fog is common when you’re addicted
- Nicotine makes stress and anxiety worse over time
- Addiction causes brain fog and mood swings
Your mouth
Damages your gums and teeth (causing bad breath)
Your skin
- Nicotine slows blood flow to the skin.
- This can cause breakouts, spots, dryness, and early wrinkles.
It also affects your wallet!
Nicotine products are expensive, and the more you have, the more you need
“I'm worried about the effect it is having on my health, I wake up shivering and can feel my heart racing in the morning.”
The myth: “You can quit anytime”
The facts
It is totally possible to quit, but giving up nicotine is surprisingly difficult. Once you’re stuck in an addiction cycle, it’s hard to break the habit.
Lots of people try and fail to give up, but that’s because they may not have the right support, or they’re not prepared.
The good news is that quitting gets easier when you ask for help.
See “Help to quit” to learn more about managing cravings and triggers.
Why is it so hard to quit?
- Your body starts to expect nicotine, making cravings stronger
- Addiction makes you want more nicotine, more often
“I started vaping four years ago, my sister started and let me try it. In school everyone would be in one toilet cubicle. I worry about the effects on my health. I have talked to my mum about quitting.”
The ‘perfect time’ to quit nicotine doesn’t exist. Start today and use the tools and tips on this page to give quitting a go.
