A new Australian review has found e-cigarettes are likely to cause lung and oral cancers, as vaping continues to rise among young people.
The 2022–23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows e-cigarette use nearly tripled from 2.5 per cent in 2019 to 7 per cent, with 18 to 24-year-olds recording the highest rates.
The Australian Centre for Health Engagement Evidence & Values research fellow, Dr Patti Shih, said the increase reflects how vaping has become embedded in youth social behaviour.
“It’s been driven by novelty and a sense of coolness – it’s something young people are experimenting with socially, at parties, often replacing smoking or even cannabis,” Dr Shih said.
The survey shows the sharpest increases are concentrated among younger age groups, with 18 to 24-year-olds not only the most likely to vape, but also the fastest-growing group over time.
University of Wollongong Senior Lecturer in Chemistry, Dr Jody Moller said the risks of vaping are particularly significant for younger users.
“Nicotine exposure at a young age can affect brain development, because it is a stimulant on your brain,” Dr Moller said.
According to the survey, younger people are most likely to try e-cigarettes out of curiosity, while older users are more likely to use them as a tool to quit smoking.
Dr Moller said while the recent review found links between vaping and cancer, the risks need to be understood in context.
“Every carcinogen examined was significantly lower in e-cigarettes than in traditional cigarettes,” she said.
“We’ve done a poor job of communicating that – many people still think vaping is more harmful than smoking.”
Dr Moller said Australia’s strict regulatory approach has created unintended consequences.
“Unfortunately, Australia’s ban has pushed e-cigarettes directly into the black market,” she said.
“They’re still widely available, but from illicit sources, and what we’re seeing is an increase in the number of dangerous chemicals in these products.”
Illegal e-cigarettes have been found to contain banned substances such as ethylene glycol, a chemical commonly used in antifreeze.
The policy debate comes as the United Kingdom adopts a dual approach – phasing out tobacco use while tightening regulation of vaping products.
New laws will create a “smoke-free generation” by banning tobacco sales to anyone born after 2009, while also introducing stricter controls on vape marketing, flavours and packaging to reduce youth uptake.
In Australia, e-cigarettes are only legally available through pharmacies, but widespread access through informal and illegal channels has made enforcement difficult.
While vaping rates have increased nationwide, New South Wales recorded the highest proportion of users.
Although the survey provides a clear picture of vaping trends in Australia, its reliance on self-reported data means the true scale may not be fully captured.
