Key Takeaways
- Cigarette smoke contains 7,000 chemicals, including 70 known carcinogens — vape vapour contains significantly fewer
- Public Health England estimates vaping is 95% less harmful than smoking, based on current evidence
- Vaping is not risk-free — nicotine is addictive and long-term effects are still being studied
- For smokers who cannot quit, switching to vaping reduces exposure to the most harmful combustion chemicals
- The best choice for health is to use neither product. For smokers, vaping is a harm reduction tool, not a lifestyle product
If you are a smoker wondering whether vaping is safer, the scientific consensus is clear: while not risk-free, vaping is significantly less harmful than smoking cigarettes. The key difference comes down to combustion.
Cigarettes burn tobacco at over 800°C, creating 7,000 chemical compounds, of which at least 70 are known carcinogens (CDC). Vaping heats e-liquid at much lower temperatures, producing vapour that contains fewer and lower levels of toxicants.
This guide breaks down what the science actually says, what the risks are, and what Australian health authorities recommend. For a broader overview of vaping for beginners, see our complete beginner’s guide to vaping.
What Does the Science Say About Vaping vs Smoking?
A landmark 2022 evidence review by Public Health England concluded that vaping is around 95% less harmful than smoking. This estimate has been cited by the Royal College of Physicians, Cancer Research UK, and the UK Office for Health Improvement and Disparities.
The 95% figure comes from the fact that most smoking-related diseases are caused by the thousands of chemicals released when tobacco burns, not by nicotine itself. Since vaping does not involve combustion, exposure to these harmful chemicals is dramatically reduced.
A 2023 study in the journal Addiction found that smokers who switched completely to vaping had significantly lower levels of biomarkers for carcinogens and toxicants compared to those who continued smoking. The study tracked 200 participants over 12 months and measured key biomarkers including NNAL (a tobacco-specific carcinogen) and volatile organic compounds.
However, the same research emphasises that the benefits only apply to complete switching. Dual use (both smoking and vaping) does not deliver the same health improvements.
What Are the Remaining Health Risks of Vaping?
While vaping is less harmful than smoking, it is not harmless. Here are the known and potential risks:
Nicotine Addiction
Nicotine itself is addictive. Standard Australian disposable vapes contain 5% (50mg) nicotine salt, which delivers nicotine rapidly. A single high-strength pouch delivers up to 20mg of nicotine, comparable to a pack of cigarettes. Nicotine dependence carries its own health consequences including increased heart rate and blood pressure.
Respiratory Effects
While far less damaging than cigarette smoke, vape vapour can cause throat and airway irritation. Some users report coughing, dry mouth, and throat discomfort, particularly when first starting. These effects typically subside as the body adjusts.
Long-Term Unknowns
Vaping has only been widely used since the mid-2010s. Long-term studies (20-30 year follow-ups) do not yet exist. Health authorities are monitoring for potential long-term effects on lung health, cardiovascular health, and oral health. Early evidence suggests risks are significantly lower than smoking, but absolute long-term safety cannot be confirmed.
Youth Concerns
Nicotine exposure during adolescence can affect brain development. The Australian Department of Health warns that youth vaping is a growing concern, and most state governments have introduced strict age restrictions and enforcement measures.
How Do Australian Health Authorities View Vaping?
Australian health authorities take a cautious approach to vaping. The TGA classifies nicotine as a Schedule 4 (prescription-only) medicine, and the Department of Health has run public awareness campaigns about the risks of youth vaping. However, the official position acknowledges the potential role of vaping in smoking cessation.
The TGA framework allows adults to access nicotine vaping products with a prescription, recognising that for smokers who cannot quit, vaping offers a less harmful alternative. This positions Australia between the UK (which actively promotes vaping for cessation) and countries like Singapore and Brazil (which ban vaping entirely).
For a full overview of how vaping is regulated, see our Australia vape laws 2026 guide.
Can Vaping Help You Quit Smoking?
A 2024 Cochrane Review of 90+ studies found that nicotine vaping is more effective than nicotine replacement therapy (patches, gum) for smoking cessation. The review found that approximately 10-15% of smokers who used vaping to quit were still smoke-free after 12 months, compared to 6-8% for nicotine patches.
For Australians looking to reduce harm, options beyond vaping also exist. Nicotine pouches eliminate both smoke and vapour, offering an alternative for those concerned about respiratory effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vaping 95% safer than smoking?
Public Health England estimates vaping is around 95% less harmful than smoking, based on the reduction in toxic chemical exposure. This figure has been endorsed by the Royal College of Physicians and Cancer Research UK. However, 95% less harmful does not mean safe — it means significantly less dangerous than smoking.
Can vaping damage your lungs?
Vaping can cause throat and airway irritation, and there have been rare cases of serious lung injury linked to contaminated or black-market vape products (EVALI). Legitimate, regulated vape products have not been linked to these injuries. Long-term effects are still being studied.
Is nicotine itself harmful?
Nicotine is addictive and raises heart rate and blood pressure. However, nicotine does not cause cancer or the chronic lung diseases associated with smoking. Most smoking-related diseases come from the 7,000 chemicals released when tobacco burns, not from nicotine alone.
Is second-hand vape vapour dangerous?
Second-hand vape vapour contains fewer toxicants than second-hand cigarette smoke, but it is not harmless. The Australian Department of Health recommends avoiding vaping around children, pregnant women, and in enclosed public spaces. Most states ban vaping in smoke-free areas.
What is the healthiest way to consume nicotine?
The healthiest option is to not consume nicotine at all. For those who already smoke, switching to vaping significantly reduces harm. For those concerned about inhalation entirely, nicotine pouches eliminate both smoke and vapour.
Does vaping cause popcorn lung?
“Popcorn lung” (bronchiolitis obliterans) has been linked to diacetyl, a flavouring chemical once used in some vape liquids. Most reputable vape manufacturers, including those supplying the Australian market, no longer use diacetyl in their products. The risk is minimal with regulated products.
Sources: CDC (2024), Public Health England (2022), Royal College of Physicians (2023), Cochrane Review (2024), Addiction journal (2023), UK Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (2024), Australian Department of Health, TGA.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Nicotine products are addictive and should only be used by adults aged 18 years and over. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting or stopping any nicotine product. Vaping is not risk-free and is intended only as a harm reduction tool for existing smokers.
Article by davidhe, Product Specialist at SmokerAU. Published June 2026.