E-Cigarettes

What are e-cigarettes?

E-cigarettes are battery operated devices containing a liquid that, when heated, turns into vapour that is inhaled into the lungs. When using an e-cigarette, the user inhales and exhales the vapour from the heated liquid(e-liquid). E-liquid produces a range of chemicals and may or may not contain nicotine.

These devices can look similar to cigarettes, pens and USB memory sticks and come in a variety of different rectangular or cylindrical shapes and colours.

Can e-cigarettes help to quit smoking?

E-cigarettes are not approved as an aid to stop smoking by the Therapeutic Good Administration (TGA). There is currently not enough evidence to prove they help people to quit smoking. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) products are approved to help quit smoking in the form of patches, gum, lozenges, inhalators and mouth sprays.

Are e-cigarettes legal in the ACT?

In the ACT, personal vaporisers, including electronic cigarettes are regulated in much the same way as tobacco. Use of electronic cigarettes is prohibited in legislated smoke-free areas in the ACT under the Smoke-Free Public Places Act 2003. 

It is illegal to sell electronic cigarettes to people under the age of 18 and to use electronic cigarettes in legislated smoke-free areas in the ACT. Restrictions also apply to advertising, displays and marketing.

For more information about e-cigarettes see the Cancer Council National Cancer Control Policy

Additional useful information on electronic cigarettes can be found here:

World Health Organisation https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/e-cigarettes-how-risky-are-they

National Health And Medical Research Council https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/about-us/resources/ceo-statement-electronic-cigarettes

Australian Department of Health https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/smoking-and-tobacco/about-smoking-and-tobacco/about-e-cigarettes