Vaping increasing among young Aussies, as risks confirmed

E-cigarettes in a gutter. Photo: ANU E-cigarette use among young Australians has increased "alarmingly" in recent years, as a major peer-reviewed study led by The Australian National University (ANU) confirms the risks to health vaping poses. Published in the Medical Journal of Australia , the study builds on a 2022 ANU report on e-cigarettes , with additional peer-review and evidence from more than 400 studies and reports. The study is the most comprehensive review of the health impacts of e-cigarettes of its kind to date. Lead author Professor Emily Banks, from the ANU National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, said the review confirms multiple risks of e-cigarettes, particularly for non-smokers, children, adolescents and young adults.  "Recent evidence shows vaping is becoming more popular, especially among children and adolescents, even though it is illegal except on prescription," Professor Banks said. "Almost all e-cigarettes deliver nicotine, which is extremely addictive. Addiction is common in people using vapes and young people are especially vulnerable to addiction as their brains are still developing.