Vaping is often marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, but it is not harmless. Many people vape nicotine daily, use both cigarettes and vapes, or want to reduce or quit but aren’t sure where to start. This page helps you understand the risks, benefits, and options so you can decide what’s right for you.
Vaping involves inhaling an aerosol produced by heating a liquid that usually contains nicotine, flavourings, and other chemicals. There is a common misconception that vape products are harmless, and although vape aerosol may look and smell different from cigarette smoke because they don’t burn tobacco, they still deliver nicotine and other carcinogenic substances into the lungs.
Vape aerosol is not water vapour – it contains ultrafine particles, metals, and chemicals that irritate the lungs. The most common element in a vape product is propelyne glycol and vegetable glycerin – the same chemicals found in theatrical or stage fog, giving the “vapour” look.
Even small changes can make a difference. People who reduce or quit vaping often notice:
You don’t have to be “ready” to quit to explore your options. Change often happens in stages.
You might choose to:
Information for Parents and Caregivers
Parents and caregivers play an important role in protecting young people’s health. Vaping is often seen by youth as low-risk, and conversations about it can feel challenging to navigate. Our role is to support you with trusted information and practical tools so you can have informed, respectful conversations that focus on health and wellbeing.
You don’t need to have all the answers. What matters most is listening, staying curious, and keeping the door open to ongoing conversations.
Our downloadable resource was developed using current evidence and real-world experience. It provides information on why youth vape, where they get products from, and more.
Supportive conversations, not lectures, are most effective in helping young people make healthier choices. The Brief Conversations Toolkit offers a simple, evidence-based approach to talking about vaping that:
This approach aligns with our commitment to prevention, harm reduction, and meeting people where they are. Explore the Brief Conversations Toolkit and more resources, here.
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