E-cigarette child safety resource

​Keep young children safe around vapes (also called e-cigarettes).

Many vapes contain a large amount of nicotine, even if it's not written on the label.

A young child can die from very small amounts of nicotine.

If you think a child has been exposed to the contents of a vape, or has inhaled, swallowed or spilled the liquid in vapes onto their skin, call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.

Last updated: 02 April 2024
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​Keep young children safe around vapes

Many vapes (also called e-cigarettes) contain a large amount of nicotine, even if it's not written on the label. A young child can die from very small amounts of nicotine.

Vapes are very attractive to young children but they are not child-resistant.

All vapes can be a danger to young children if inhaled, swallowed or spilled on the skin.

Do not use vapes around young children. Always keep vapes locked up and out of reach of children.

The liquid in vapes can be a high risk for poisoning due to high nicotine concentration and poor quality packaging.

The common symptoms of vaping exposures are:

  • coughing
  • vomiting
  • drowsiness and
  • difficulty breathing.

If you think a child has been exposed to the contents of a vape, or has inhaled, swallowed or spilled the liquid in vapes onto their skin, call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.

If they have collapsed or are not breathing, immediately call 000 for an ambulance.

Dispose of vapes and vape liquids safely where they cannot be found by children.

Every day Poisons Information Centres receive calls about young children being exposed to vapes. The Poisons Information ​​Centre offers expert advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - call 13 11 26.

Keep your home and car smoke and vape free.

If you smoke or vape, one of the best steps that you can take for your health and your children's health is to quit for good.

Call Quitline on 13 78 48.

Current as at: Tuesday 2 April 2024
Contact page owner: Centre for Population Health