E-cigarettes

Electronic cigarettes, also known as e-cigarettes, are battery operated products that replicate smoking.

How e-cigarettes work

• E-cigarettes work by heating a cartridge that contains liquid.
• They often have flavours and preservatives and sometimes nicotine.
• Nicotine is an addictive part of cigarettes and tobacco.
• The heating process creates a vapour that resembles tobacco smoke.
• Breathing in this vapour is referred to as vaping.

Are e-cigarettes safe to use?

• E-cigarettes have been linked with immediate harms including respiratory illness and death.
• The effects of longer term use of e-cigarettes is not clear, and may not be available for years, even decades.
• There are no products approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration
• The quality and safety of products has not been assessed, and can vary in the amount and type of chemicals they contain.

Do e-cigarettes help people wanting to quit smoking?

• Some people claim e-cigarettes can help people to quit smoking.
• There is not enough evidence to support this claim.
• It is recommended that you speak to you GP if you want more information about quitting smoking.

Laws about e-cigarettes in Tasmania

• Pharmacies that wish to sell nicotine e-cigarettes require a smoking product licence.
• It is illegal to sell nicotine e-cigarettes to people who do not have a prescription from a doctor
• There are also restrictions about displaying, advertising or selling e-cigarettes to people under 18.
• You cant use e-cigarettes in smoke free areas.

More information about e-cigarettes

• Learn about e-cigarettes and severe lung illness on the Australian Government Department of Health website
• View the Public Health Act 1997