Smoking and Vaping
Smoking and vaping contains poisonous chemicals such as those found in biofuel, paint thinner, and bug killer. In fact, more than 200 chemicals have been detected in e-liquids.
Smoking usage and harms
- Cigarettes, cigars and other tobacco products, including shisha contain thousands of chemicals. many of these carcinogens, which are chemicals that are linked to causing cancer.
- These chemicals are inhaled deep into the lungs, exposing them to high levels of toxins, damaging cells and their DNA.
- It can result in sleeping fewer hours.
Vaping usage and harms
The National Drug Strategy Household Survey (2019) shows that despite a general drop of smoking in younger Australians, the introduction and rise of vaping shows an increased rate of use in Australia.
For more information visit the Quit website.
The path to quit
There are many ways to contact Quitline:
- By phone on 13 78 48.
- The online request a callback form.
-
The My QuitBuddy is an app that helps you get, and stay, smoke-free and vape-free. There are helpful tips to stop cravings and tracking systems to chart your progress. My QuitBuddy gives you the facts you need to understand the impacts smoking and vaping have on your health.
The health benefits of quitting smoking
Within hours to days: Your heart rate and blood pressure stabilises, carbon monoxide drops, oxygen flow improves, and hands become warmer and steadier.
Within a week: Your taste and smell improves, and antioxidant levels rise.
Within three months: Coughing and wheezing decreases, lung function and immune system begins to recover, and blood flow improves.
Within six months to one year: There is less phlegm and stress, healthier lungs, and easier breathing.
Within five to 20 years: There's a major drop in stroke and cancer risks, and eventually your heart and stroke risk become similar to someone who has never smoked.

Finding a used vape
Collect and dispose of discarded vapes the right way.
All vapes should be disposed of safely. For further information visit your options for waste disposal.