The liquid used in e-cigarettes is known as an e-liquid or, more colloquially, e-juice or vape juice.
E-cigarettes and e-liquid products may or may not contain nicotine or other harmful substances.
E-cigarettes and e-liquid products are not always labelled accurately and there is no guarantee that a product does not contain nicotine.
Nicotine is a poison. If swallowed it can cause serious illness and, in some cases, death.
Children and pets are at high risk of harm due to poisoning caused by swallowing an e-liquid.
Electronic cigarette components and e-liquid capsules are also a choking hazard for young children.
To be safe, it is preferable not to use e-cigarettes or e-liquids in front of children, and for these products to be locked away out of sight when not in use.
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.
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
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