What’s Really in a Vape? Why Unregulated Products Make Quitting Harder — and Less Safe

December 15, 2025

Recent investigations into disposable and illegally supplied vaping products have raised serious concerns about what some people are unknowingly inhaling. Laboratory testing has identified the presence of cancer-causing chemicals, heavy metals, and other toxic substances in products currently available outside regulated channels.

In Australia, nicotine vaping products are legal only when accessed through appropriate medical and pharmacy pathways. This regulatory framework exists to ensure that products meet safety standards and are used specifically to support smoking cessation, rather than casual or recreational use. Understanding this distinction is essential for people looking to quit smoking safely and responsibly.

A Closer Look Inside Disposable Vapes

Recent testing of disposable vaping products available in Australia revealed a troubling mix of chemicals and metals. Every tested sample contained formaldehyde and acetaldehyde—both classified as carbonyl compounds, with formaldehyde recognised internationally as a known human carcinogen.

In addition, laboratory analysis detected a wide range of heavy metals, including:

Lead
Mercury
Nickel
Chromium
Aluminium
Cadmium
Arsenic
Zinc

Many of these substances are linked to respiratory damage, neurological harm, and long-term health risks—particularly when inhaled.

These findings challenge the idea that vaping is harmless and reinforce why unregulated products pose serious concerns.

Why Flavoured, Disposable Vapes Are Especially Risky

Disposable vapes are often designed to be:

High-capacity (larger liquid volumes)
High-powered (stronger batteries)
Highly flavoured

While these features may increase appeal—particularly to younger users—they also increase risk.

Because illegal or imported vapes are not subject to consistent quality controls, users may be exposed to:

Unknown or inaccurate nicotine levels
Stronger-than-expected effects, increasing dependence
Chemical by-products formed when liquids are heated

In many cases, products labelled “nicotine-free” have been found to still contain nicotine, making it harder for users to manage usage or reduce dependence.

What’s Actually in Vape Liquids?

Most vape liquids contain a base made up of:

Propylene glycol
Vegetable glycerine
Sometimes water
Flavouring chemicals

While some of these ingredients are commonly used in foods, their effects when inhaled are not fully understood—and heating them can create additional toxic compounds.

Unregulated vapes may also contain substances such as:

Diacetyl (linked to “popcorn lung”)
Acrolein (a weed killer associated with lung damage)
Benzene (a known cancer-causing chemical)
Diethylene glycol (a toxic antifreeze ingredient)
Ultra-fine particles that can reach deep into the lungs

Some vape liquids have also been found to contain THC, CBD, vitamin E acetate, or other unknown additives, increasing the risk of lung injury.

The Risk for Young People

Vaping uptake among young Australians has risen sharply over recent years. Research shows that young people who vape—and have never smoked—are significantly more likely to take up smoking later in life.

Nicotine exposure during adolescence can:

Affect brain development
Increase addiction risk
Impact concentration, mood, and learning

Highly flavoured disposable vapes play a role in this trend, reinforcing why Australian laws now tightly restrict how and where vaping products can be sold.

Why Illegal Vaping Makes Quitting Harder

For people trying to quit smoking, illegal vaping products present several problems:

Unreliable nicotine delivery, making cravings harder to control
Stronger dependence, due to unknown nicotine strength
Increased health risks, adding harm rather than reducing it

Instead of supporting a gradual, controlled quit journey, these products often lock users into deeper addiction cycles.

How Quit Hero Helps People Quit Safely

At Quit Hero, we’re focused on helping people quit smoking through safer, regulated, and supported pathways.

That means:

Encouraging evidence-based quitting options
Supporting lawful access and healthcare guidance
Helping people understand risks clearly—without judgment
Helping reduce exposure to unsafe, illegal products

Quitting smoking is challenging enough. People shouldn’t have to worry about hidden chemicals, inaccurate labelling, or unregulated devices along the way.

A Safer Way Forward

Australia’s vaping laws are designed to protect public health—especially for young people—and to support smokers who genuinely want help quitting. While enforcement challenges remain, one message is clear: unregulated vaping products carry real risks.

If you’re thinking about quitting smoking or reducing nicotine dependence, the safest first step is to seek professional advice and regulated support.

At Quit Hero, we exist to make that journey clearer, safer, and more achievable—so you can quit with confidence, not confusion.