Is vaping worse than smoking? Risks and benefits 

Overview

Vaping has sparked major debate across Australia. With the rising popularity of e-cigarettes among young Australians and former smokers, many are asking: Is vaping really safer than smoking or simply another risk?

To help navigate this question, we’ve referred to expert insights from Dr Ammar, who emphasises the importance of balancing risks and benefits.

Disclaimer: The content of this blog is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical diagnosis, advice, or treatment.

Smoking vs vaping: What’s the difference?

Here’s how each one works and why it matters for your health:

• Smoking: Tobacco is burned, releasing tar, carbon monoxide, and thousands of harmful chemicals that enter your lungs and bloodstream.
• Vaping: Instead of burning tobacco, a liquid (often called e-liquid or vape juice) that contains nicotine, flavourings, and other substances is heated to create vapour. You inhale the vapour rather than smoke. There’s no burning, but that doesn’t mean it’s risk-free.

While vaping is often described as a “safer” alternative to smoking, the research is still developing — and “safer” doesn’t mean “safe.”

What’s in a cigarette vs what’s in a vape?

Health risks of smoking

Smoking continues to be one of the most harmful habits Australians can avoid. Key risks include:

• Lung cancer and emphysema
• Heart disease and stroke
• Chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Poor circulation and increased risk of blood clots
• Premature ageing of skin
• Second-hand smoke risks to others

Health risks of vaping

While vaping eliminates smoke and tar, it is not harmless. Some key risks include:

• Nicotine addiction: Vaping still allows nicotine into your system, which is highly addictive and can make long-term quitting more difficult.
• Lung irritation: Some users may experience cough, throat irritation, or shortness of breath, often called “vaper’s cough.”
• Unknown long-term effects: Because vaping is relatively new, the full health impact of long-term vaping is still unclear.
• Chemical exposure: Vapour can contain substances like formaldehyde, propylene glycol, flavouring chemicals, and trace metals.
• Heart and blood pressure impact: Nicotine continues to affect the heart and circulation, putting extra strain on the body.

Note: If you experience sudden chest pain, severe difficulty breathing, or persistent coughing, please call 000 immediately or present to your nearest Emergency Department. Do not use telehealth for emergency symptoms.

Benefits to vaping

Yes, potentially for some Australians, vaping may act as a harm-reduction tool, especially if it helps them quit smoking entirely.

Possible benefits include:

• Fewer toxins than tobacco smoke
• Reduced exposure for bystanders
• May support smoking cessation when used under medical supervision

Note: Vaping should be seen as a step toward quitting altogether, not a long-term solution.

What does the evidence say?

According to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)¹ and the Australian Government Department of Health²:

• Vapes are not harmless and should not be used for recreation.
• While evidence shows that vaping is less harmful than smoking, it is not risk-free.
• E-cigarette use continues to rise. Daily smoking dropped to about 8.3% in 2022–23, while around 7.0% of Australians now vape.

In short, if you smoke, vaping might be a less harmful alternative — but the best option is to quit nicotine entirely.

Accessing Medical Support for Nicotine Dependence

Managing the transition away from smoking or vaping often requires a structured clinical approach. In Australia, healthcare platforms offer a pathway to discuss these changes with a qualified health professional:

• Clinical Consultations: You can access a telehealth consultation to discuss nicotine dependence and develop a personalised management plan.
• Assessment for Quitting Aids: A doctor can provide a clinical assessment to determine if prescription-based cessation tools are appropriate for your specific health profile.
• Continuity of Care: To ensure safe long-term outcomes, your consultation summary can be shared with your regular GP to maintain an accurate medical history.
• Comprehensive Care: Doctors may provide referrals to allied health services, such as counsellors or dietitians, to support the behavioural aspects of quitting.

Note: While online consultations offer convenient access to advice, they are a complementary service. If a physical examination (such as a lung or heart check) is required, your doctor will advise you to visit an in-person GP.

Conclusion

Both smoking and vaping carry health risks. While vaping may be less harmful than smoking, it is far from harmless. The healthiest choice is to quit both entirely.

If you’re thinking of changing your habit — whether by quitting smoking or using vaping as a transition step — seek professional help rather than managing it on your own. Your lungs can start healing within weeks of quitting. The best time to start is today.

FAQs

Is vaping really safer than smoking?

For most smokers, switching to vaping may lower exposure to harmful chemicals from burning tobacco, but “safer” doesn’t mean “safe.” Vaping still carries health risks.

Can vaping help me quit cigarettes completely?

In some cases, yes — especially when used under a doctor’s guidance and as part of a structured quit plan. Ultimately, the goal should be to stop using nicotine altogether.

Are nicotine-free vapes safe?

Not necessarily. Even vapes marketed as “nicotine-free” may still contain nicotine or other harmful substances.

What are the long-term side effects of vaping?

The long-term effects are still unclear. Short-term effects may include throat or lung irritation, nicotine addiction, and exposure to harmful chemicals.

How can Hola Health doctors help with smoking cessation?

Online consultations are a convenient way to discuss smoking cessation; however, they have limitations, as a physical examination (such as listening to your lungs) cannot be performed remotely. If a physical check-up is required, you will be advised to see an in-person GP.

To maintain continuity of care, a summary of your consultation can be sent to your regular family doctor upon your request.