E-cigarette safety
E-cigarette safety
What are e-cigarettes and e-liquids?
Electronic cigarettes – or
e-cigarettes
– simulate the act of smoking, but they don’t burn tobacco. Instead, the e-cigarette is a battery-powered device that works by heating liquid into an aerosol. which is then inhaled into the lungs. Using an e-cigarette is sometimes called ‘vaping’.
Liquid for use inside an e-cigarette is called e-liquid but is also known as e-juice or vape juice.
E-liquids may contain nicotine, as well as propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin or glycerol, other chemicals (including those used to create flavours) and, in some cases, water.
The ingredients in e-liquid products may not be labelled thoroughly or accurately and products may not be sold in safe, child resistant packaging.
There is no guarantee that an e-liquid labelled ‘non-nicotine’ does not contain nicotine. It may also not be possible to know what other chemicals are contained in the e-liquid.
What are the dangers of e-cigarettes and e-liquids?
The full health impacts of inhaling vapor from e-liquids used in e-cigarettes are not yet known.
Potential dangers of e-cigarettes include:
ingestion (swallowing) of e-liquid – which can lead to poisoning and even death when
swallowed by children
harm from inhaling e-liquid chemicals as aerosol – the health effects of inhaling the various chemicals used in e-cigarette liquids may not be known. For example, some flavourings may be safe for use in food but not when inhaled
inhalation of particulate matter produced by e-cigarettes – Particulate matter emitted by e-cigarettes could be dangerous to those who inhale it second hand just as passive smoking is harmful to those who share a contained space with regular smokers. Inhaling particulate matter can lead to asthma attacks and heart disease.
inaccurate labelling – e-liquids may not be labelled correctly or packaged safely. E-liquids labelled as ‘nicotine-free’ may contain nicotine
unsafe packaging – e-liquids may not be sold in safe, child resistant packaging.. E-liquids stored in plastic or glass bottles or containers can be easily opened by children. E-liquids may also spill or leak from their bottle or container.
E-cigarette and e-liquid safety around children
If you use an e-cigarette:
keep it where children cannot see it or reach it when you are not using it, lock it away
do not use or discard your e-cigarette in front of children.
What to do if e-liquid is swallowed
If you are worried a child has swallowed liquid from an e-cigarette, ring the
Victorian Poisons Information
Centre
External Link
on
13 11 26
immediately.
If they are very unwell, have collapsed, sopped breathing, are fitting or having an anaphylactic reaction, ring triple zero (000) for an ambulance.
E-cigarettes and e-liquids and the law
Adults in Victoria cannot legally buy e-cigarettes unless they have been prescribed by a medical practitioner who has established a therapeutic need for a particular patient. In these cases, the e-cigarette can then be supplied by a pharmacist.
Where to get help
In an emergency, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance
Victorian Poisons Information
Centre
External Link
on Tel.
13 11 26
Quitline
External Link
Tel.
13 7848
, Monday to Friday, 8 am–8 pm
Quit
External Link