NSW students urged to ditch the vape

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard launched the anti-vaping campaign after research found "more and more young people (are) using vapes".

The government and NSW Health are "very concerned about the impact of those vapes on young people's lives, particularly on their lungs", he said on Tuesday.

Global research indicates young people commonly think vaping is a healthier alternative to smoking.

Mr Hazzard said vaping damaged adult lungs and caused more concern for developing lungs in teenagers and children.

The minister told a parliamentary hearing last week the thought of kids picking up the habit was "atrocious".

The Get The Facts - Vaping Toolkit targets and students aged 14 to 17 and provides resources for teachers, parents and carers to start conversations about the dangers of vaping.

"We know that amongst many young people, e-cigarettes or vapes have been considered safe and certainly safer than cigarettes," NSW Acting Chief Health Officer Marianne Gale said.

The combination of having a sweet or fruity flavour, being in attractive packaging and their "vapour" often perceived as water, people often consider vapes harmless.

"It's very important that young people and families understand e-cigarettes are not safe," Dr Gale said.

"Evidence (and) experts tell us now is that these products are not safe and there are a range of health harms that are associated with vaping."

Vaping in young people can cause acute effects including heart palpitations, chest pain and irritation to the throat and lungs.

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Vapes can also contain nicotine and be highly addictive.

Nicotine has severe negative impacts on the developing brain, as well as affecting memory, mood and mental health.

A variety of dangerous additives were also found in vapes including nail polish, insect spray and detergents, Dr Gale said.

A person who vapes is three times more likely to become a smoker.

Australian Associated Press