Uncloud myths around vaping and how to protect your health
Do you smoke or vape? You’ve no doubt heard of vaping or seen other people doing it. We all know smoking can cause a range of health and wellbeing problems, but vaping is currently becoming a major health issue we can’t ignore.
Vaping – inhaling vapour using an e-cigarette – is a relatively new practice and many people think it’s safer than smoking. Far from being a safer alternative, vaping is extremely addictive and exposes users to a poisonous cocktail of chemicals. There’s also strong behavioural links between vaping and smoking – for example, research shows that people who use e-cigarettes are three times more likely to smoke tobacco, and former smokers who vape are more likely to relapse. Scary stuff.
Deakin says ‘no’ to smoking and vaping
Deakin is a smoke- and vape-free zone, which includes our campus grounds, buildings and carparks. This policy is to keep our community healthy and ensure a clean and enjoyable campus experience for all.
It’s not just Deakin taking this stance – all Victorian universities have similar policies. So, if you see someone vaping or smoking on campus, politely ask them to stop or butt out!
Get clear about the facts on vaping
In line with Deakin’s Student Health Promotion Plan 2023–2025, we also support the UNCLOUD campaign.
UNCLOUD initiative – empowering young people to see vaping for what it is. With more and more young people vaping every year, UNCLOUD creates space for young people to hear from their peers. To share their experiences, thoughts and feelings. To have a voice. UNCLOUD is a hub to find peer-reviewed, scientifically-backed information about vapes, and see vaping for what it is. But, more importantly, it’s a platform for young Australians to warn each other of the horrors of vaping. Here, they can write the warning labels they were never given. The warnings vapes never came with. All to build understanding and spark conversations about the impacts of vaping. Visit UNCLOUD to learn more and see vaping for what it is.
Did you know:
- Vapes or e-cigarettes work via a heating coil turning chemicals into aerosols which you then breathe in – remember we don’t yet fully know the health consequences of this practice.
- It’s not always possible to know what you’re inhaling – analyses of vaping products have detected hundreds of different chemicals, including industrial-grade substances and heavy metals that are known to be carcinogenic to humans.
- Nicotine is often present in vapes, even if it’s not labelled. It is well established that nicotine is one of the most addictive substances we know of and is highly toxic to our brains and bodies.
See the Deakin Vape-free webpage for more information about vaping and UNCLOUD – it’s time to bust the myths about vaping. We’ll also be holding upcoming student education workshops about the harms of vaping and support in quitting, so keep an eye on the Deakin Vape-free webpage as we’ll have more information for you soon.
Ready to quit vaping or smoking?
We can help! We know that quitting isn’t an easy process, especially if your friends smoke or vape, but we’re with you every step of the way. Better to quit now and spare yourself problems with addiction and ill health later down the track.
To start your vape- or smoke-free journey, contact the Deakin Medical Centre. We provide free Quit counselling support, so book an appointment now. According to WHO, your chance of quitting successfully increases by a massive 84% if you receive professional medical advice.
You can also visit the Quit website for amazing resources, including Quit Plan, QuitCoach and QuitTxt, which provide personalised support for your quitting journey.
For more information about the dangers of vaping and resources to help you quit, visit our Deakin’s Vape-free webpage – remember you are not alone!