Electronic cigarette use in adults
Why this indicator is important
An electronic cigarette (also called an e-cigarette or vape) is a battery-powered device used to breathe in an aerosol (vapour/mist).[1]
Electronic cigarettes hold liquids often containing nicotine, and hundreds of toxic chemicals and flavourings.[1]
Use of electronic cigarettes can cause serious harm to health including nicotine dependency, respiratory problems, and permanent lung damage. [1,2]
The use of e-cigarettes has increased rapidly over recent years, especially in young people which is concerning.[2] Data from 2022–to23 FY shows 18.9% of 16–to24-year-olds were currently using e-cigarettes. In the 2019–to20, that figure was at just 4.5 per cent.
In 2024 new laws for the regulation of e-cigarettes were introduced nationally to protect the health of all, particularly young people.[1,2]
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On 1 July 2024 the law changed so that all vapes and vaping products, regardless of whether they contain nicotine or not, can only be sold in a pharmacy for the purpose of helping people quit smoking or manage nicotine dependence.[2]
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From 1 October 2024, people 18 years and older can buy vapes from participating pharmacies with a nicotine concentration of 20 mg/mL or less without a prescription, where state and territory laws allow, but they must talk to the pharmacist before purchasing and only one month’s supply can be purchased over a one-month time period.[3] Those under 18 require a prescription to access e-cigarettes.[3]
About this indicator
This indicator shows electronic cigarette use in adults*, by sex and age group in NSW from 2014 to 2015 to 2022 to 2023. From 2022 to 2023:
Across all age groups 18.6% had ever used an electronic cigarette and 7.4% identified as current electronic cigarette users
In the 16 to 24 age group 45.2% had ever used an electronic cigarette and 18.9% identified as current electronic cigarette users.
NSW Cancer Plan activities
Cancer Institute NSW is working to prevent vaping, and support those who vape to quit, particularly young people. The Cancer Institute NSW is delivering anti-vaping campaigns for young people, aiming to prevent uptake and increase cessation. The Institute is also building and enhancing support services to help people who vape to quit including Quitline, iCanQuit.com.au and the Pave app. For information on cessation support, please visit Explore quit vaping support.[1]
*People aged 16 and over
Notes
- Data Source: NSW Population Health Survey (SAPHaRI). Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence, NSW Ministry of Health. Data used with permission from HealthStats NSW.[4]
- Data accurate as of August 2025.
References
Cancer Institute NSW. Damaging effects of vaping [Internet]. Sydney: Cancer Institute NSW, 2022 [cited 24 February 2025]. Available from: https://www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/prevention-and-screening/preventing-cancer/damaging-effects-of-vaping
Department of Health and Aged Care. About vaping and e-cigarettes [Internet]. Canberra: Department of Health and Aged Care, 2024 [cited 24 February 2025]. Available from: https://www.health.gov.au/topics/smoking-vaping-and-tobacco/about-vaping
Department of Health and Aged Care. Young people and vaping [Internet]. Canberra: Department of Health and Aged Care, 2024 [cited 24 February 2025]. Available from: https://www.health.gov.au/topics/smoking-vaping-and-tobacco/audiences/young-people-vaping
HealthStats NSW. E-cigarette use (vaping) by Electronic cigarette use [Internet]. Sydney: HealthStats NSW, 2025 [cited 11 March 2025]. Available at: E-cigarette use (vaping) - HealthStats NSW
