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Don’t be gammin, givin’ up the smokes and vapes is deadly!

The number of young mob who smoke is the lowest it’s ever been, which means fewer young people are at risk of getting smoking-related diseases!

Some young mob, however, are getting exposed to poisonous chemicals such as those in biofuel, paint thinner and bug killer through vaping. More than 200 poisonous chemicals have been found in vapes. Many of these chemicals can damage the lungs and airways or cause cancer or heart disease.

Vaping can harm you by:

  • Getting you dependent on nicotine. Most vapes contain nicotine even if it’s not on the label.
  • Nicotine is very addictive and interacts with the brain’s reward system. When a person inhales nicotine (through vapes or cigarettes) it hijacks their systems leading to the feeling that vaping has taken control.
  • Nicotine in vapes harms the way a teenage brain grows, which may affect memory and concentration.
  • Vapes can explode or catch fire, causing bad burns and facial or leg and hip injuries.
  • Exposing you to toxic chemicals that may make you sick. These chemicals include known causes of cancer, heart disease and lung disease.
  • If you smoke as well as vape, you're at increased risk of nausea, headache, throat irritation, cough, dizziness, increased heart rate and increased blood pressure.
If you've never smoked, vaping can triple the likelihood you'll take up smoking.
Young mob

“I wanted to quit smoking coz I thought it was a waste of health and money. I wanted to be the good role model for my sisters and show them you don’t gotta do that. And it wasn’t cool anymore, I grew out of it.”

Tanisha, 20-year-old Aboriginal woman

Listen to her story

Our AQL counsellors are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people committed to helping young mob quit smoking or vaping and be strong in health and wellbeing. It’s confidential and free.

Ways to contact AQL:

  1. Call 13 7848 and ask to yarn with an AQL counsellor between 8am and 8pm, Monday to Friday
  2. Send us a private message on Facebook
  3. Fill out the online callback form

Get your doctor, TIS worker or Aboriginal health worker to refer you. They are deadly mob in community who are trained to yarn to you about your smoking and/or vaping cessation. They can help with a referral to Aboriginal Quitline as well as ongoing community support while you're quitting smoking or vaping.

Please note, this information is for general use only.  Please consult your health professional for further advice.

If you would like to provide feedback, please contact quit@cancervic.org.au

Last updated February 2024

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