The Australian Medical Association (AMA) called on the Federal Government this month to introduce stronger & stricter regulations around vaping, or risk losing the public health battle if failing to act.
AMA President, Professor Stephen Robson, Deakin, told Pharmacy Daily that Australia has been a leader in tobacco & nicotine control for decades. However, with the rise of vaping, our nation has since “dropped the ball”.
“Vaping is not harmless, it is not safe, it is not part of tobacco control,” Prof Robson explained.
The AMA has formerly advocated for regulations to limit access to NVPs, & to reduce the concentration of nicotine they contain.
While the TGA consultation focuses on NVPs, the AMA supports the introduction of controls involving the importation of all vaping products through customs.
“Vaping products have also been found to contain prohibited chemicals that can cause serious harm, like vitamin E acetate and diacetyl, which can cause serious damage to the lungs,” Prof Robson told Pharmacy Daily.
Concerningly, an online survey performed by the Commissioner for Children & Young People (CCYP) – SA in 2022 involving 13 – 19-year-olds living in SA revealed two-in-three respondents had tried vaping, a substantial one in four of whom reported vaping most days. The nicotine in 1 vape can be equivalent to 50 cigarettes & vaping has been linked to serious lung disease.
To find out more, head to: pharmacydaily.com.au/news/ama-calls-out-vaping/103985
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