Record low smoking rates, but 20% of young individuals are now using e-cigarettes, according to data

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Less people are smoking cigarettes than ever before in NSW, but a “concerning number” of young people have taken to vaping, new government data has revealed.

Around one in 10 adults (11 per cent) reported smoking daily or occasionally, according to data from NSW Health’s 2024 Population Health Survey.

That figure is down from 14 per cent in 2015.

cigarette — A new campaign is targeting smoking as 1500 people die from tobacco a year in Western Australia. (9News)

Despite the decline in tobacco use, other forms of smoking remain an issue.

A rapid rise in vaping between 2018 and 2023 has resulted in about one in five 16 to 24 year olds taking up the habit – the highest percentage of any age group.

Despite vaping rates plateauing in the last couple of years, experts now fear a resurgence of smoking later in life, with evidence indicating teenagers who vape are five times more likely to take up smoking.

“We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to stem the tide of this public health challenge,” NSW health minister Ryan Park said.

“We don’t want to see the years of strong progress in tobacco control and smoking reduction undone.”

NSW chief cancer officer and Cancer Institute chief executive Professor Tracey O’Brien said smoking and vaping were “among the worst things you can do for your health”.

“Smoking is a leading cause of disease and premature death in NSW, and while we’ve seen a positive decrease in tobacco smoking, we cannot become complacent about the harms of smoking and now vaping,” O’Brien said.

The results of the research show why Australia's new vaping laws need to be strictly enforced, University of Sydney Associate Professor Becky Freeman says. — The results of the research show why Australia’s new vaping laws need to be strictly enforced, University of Sydney Associate Professor Becky Freeman says. (iStock)

Inhaling chemicals and toxins from vapes have been shown to cause cancer, heart disease and lung damage.

Regular use of nicotine vapes in young people can also cause changes to brain development and increase symptoms of depression and anxiety.

In an attempt to stamp out vaping, the Minns government has undertaken education campaigns and collaborated with authorities to crack down on the supply and availability of the product.

The Pave app was also launched to provide users with tools and tips to help their quit journey.

More than 27,000 calls were made to Quitline in the last year, including 5000 calls related to vaping and 15,000 referencing smoking, Cancer Institute NSW data shows.