“It’s very hard to see the world in a positive light, when you’ve got nicotine and tobacco companies getting young people hooked,” said Adler.
“I feel like every second person I know vapes at this point … this is like a new epidemic of trouble for young people,” said Lilly.
“Even if you’re sitting at home with your phone on social media, you can’t escape vaping,” added Abby.
While the people interviewed in the Tough Talks video expressed concerns over seeing their peers vape, they also welcomed government reforms to make accessing e-cigarettes harder for young people.
They hoped for a future where vaping becomes something no one wants to do anymore. So does BCHS, which is why the health service continues to educate local young people, carers and educators of the dangers of vaping.
Why should we be worried about vaping?
Vapes might smell nicer than cigarettes – but they still contain more than 200 dangerous chemicals, which can be harmful if inhaled or swallowed. Some examples of chemicals found in vapes are:
- Acetone: Commonly found in nail polish remover
- 2-Chlorophenol: Used for cleaning and disinfecting
- Acrolein: Pesticides and Weedkiller
What are the harms?
- Nicotine poisoning – high levels of nicotine can lead to nausea, vomiting, headaches, coughing and can be deadly for young children.
- Burns – Batteries in vapes can explode which can lead to burns and injuries.
- Mental health – Vaping increases symptoms anxiety, depression, and ADHD.
- Second and third hand vaping – If someone is vaping near you, you will be breathing in the toxic chemicals from the vape cloud, but it can also stick to surfaces like your food which you may then ingest.
These are just some of the harms, but there are a lot more than that. If you want to learn more visit vapingfacts.org.au
New vaping reforms have begun, with more to come. So if you want to keep up to date, click here
If your school would like to order a resource pack to help raise awareness and educate your students, click here.
Looking for help to quit?
YSAS Bendigo – 03 5444 2969
Headspace Bendigo – 03 5406 1400
QUITLINE – 13 78 48
BCHS – 03 5406 1200 to book an appointment with our QUIT educator
BCHS extends a heartfelt thank you to those who have helped make this video.
- Robert Parsons from TheViz Bendigo for filming and editing.
- Abby, Lilly, Meg, Billy, Adler, Sen, Alex, and Zac for sharing their thoughts.
- Headspace Bendigo for providing a space for us to film in.
- The Department of Health, which funded this initiative.
Recording of online Tough Talks launch from Februrary 15, 2024
