During Tradies National Health Month, Queensland tradies are being urged to ditch vaping to protect their lung health.
Lung Foundation Australia CEO Mark Brooke said while it might seem like a “good alternative” vapes contain hundreds of chemicals that can cause lung damage.
“Vaping isn’t a better alternative to smoking cigarettes and can be a gateway to starting to smoke cigarettes. You might not realise when vaping you’re inhaling chemicals like nickel which is found in batteries, formaldehyde, pesticides and chemicals found in bug spray,” he warned.
“When combined with workplace dust and potential chemical exposure, the lungs of tradies across Queensland could be at high risk of lung damage and potential disease.”
“It’s always a good time to quit vaping or smoking, but it seems especially important to consider the lung health of our tradies during Tradies National Health Month this month,” Brooke said.
“These are the people moving our state forward in construction and other vital industries. Their health and wellbeing should be paramount to themselves and people managing worksites.”
In 2024, Lung Foundation Australia had more than 5,000 responses to their Healthy Lungs at Work quiz from workers in industries across Australia. Young tradies (under 24 years) made up 21% [i]of these responses and showed they were more likely to use vapes (26%) compared to other age groups who responded.
“The responses to our Healthy Lungs at Work quiz last year showed that there was opportunity to share more information with younger tradies about the risks of starting or continuing to vape.
“These resources are directly targeted to younger workers on building sites or other industries and designed to show them what opportunity there is to stop vaping with support and to help them understand the harm it is doing to their lungs.”
People who vape may experience symptoms like difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing. They might also experience skin conditions, and chest pain.
Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Catherine McDougall urged tradies to rethink their vaping habits during Tradies National Health Month.
“The rising trend in vaping, particularly among young male workers, puts them at serious risk of long-term lung damage. We need to act now,” Dr McDougall said.
“In Queensland, daily vaping rates have surged nearly six-fold between 2018 and 2024, and adults between 18 to 29 years old are more than two times more likely than those between 30 to 44 years old.
“This is a serious public health concern, especially for the tradie community where men dominate the workforce and are significantly more likely to vape.
“We’re seeing clear evidence that vaping can lead people into smoking cigarettes, even if they’ve never smoked before. It’s not just a bad habit, it can put you on a path to other harmful habits.
“During Tradies National Health Month, we’re urging everyone in the industry to rethink vaping. It’s never too late to quit.”
Lung Foundation Australia is calling for Queensland tradies to quit vaping to protect and improve their lung health.
“Seeking support from your GP, healthcare practitioner or Quitline is vital, and research shows that having ongoing support is the most effective way to quit,” Brooke said.
Queenslanders under 30 can call Quitline for quit support and a free supply of nicotine replacement therapy (for those who participate in a quit support program) to help with withdrawls and cravings.
Lung Foundation Australia encourage Australians who are ready to start their quit journey to call Quitline on 13 7848 or request a call back from quit.org.au/request-callback.
[i] 1,127 of 5342 responders indicated they 24 years and under = 21%
For media enquiries email Rhiannon or Deirdre.
Was this page helpful?
Good job! Please give your positive feedback
How could we improve this post? Please Help us.
