NSW Health has issued a warning after a group of young people were hospitalized due to using vapes purchased on social media. The individuals, mostly from south west Sydney, presented symptoms including seizures, vomiting, and loss of consciousness between June 21 and 29. An investigation revealed that the vapes contained nicotine, which is illegal to sell in E-cigarettes without a prescription.
Concerns have been raised as E-cigarettes and e-liquids containing nicotine are still being sold in stores and online, causing significant health problems. These products put young people at risk of lifelong health issues, including adverse effects on their developing brains. Vapes have been found to contain high levels of nicotine even when not labeled as such, posing serious health risks.
Vapes may contain dangerous chemicals, including those found in weedkiller and nail polish remover, which can cause irreversible damage to the health and development of young people. Health problems associated with vaping include throat irritation, coughing, dizziness, headaches, nausea, and lung injury. Additionally, there have been reports of vapes exploding in users’ pockets, leading to severe burns.
NSW Health advises parents concerned about their children vaping to seek support. For more information, watch the latest news and stream for free on 7plus.
If parents or carers suspect that someone has been poisoned by liquid nicotine, they should immediately call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26. In cases where the person has collapsed or is not breathing, emergency services should be contacted at 000 for an ambulance.
Since October 2021, E-cigarettes and e-liquids containing nicotine require a prescription for purchase in all Australian states.
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