Experts warn of ‘public health crisis’ for kids as state leaders urged to ban illicit vape sales

Australia’s health minister urged state leaders to tackle illicit sales of vapes to kids as experts warn of a “public health crisis”.

Victoria’s health minister lashed his federal counterpart after state leaders were urged to tackle the illicit sale of e-cigarettes to children.

It comes as experts warn of a “public health crisis” as the vaping phenomenon introduces a new generation to smoking.

A damning review published by leading researchers at the Australian National University found young people were more at risk of addiction, poisoning, seizures, trauma, burns, lung injury and taking up smoking through the use of nicotine e-cigarettes.

A review published by researchers at the Australian National University found the use of e-cigarettes by young children increased their chances of serious adverse health outcomes.

In letters to state health ministers, Greg Hunt urges them to crack down on the supply of e-cigarettes to minors.

He references recent findings in the ANU study and claims the retail sale of nicotine vaping products (NVPs) to schoolchildren is a “widespread and frequent occurrence”.

“I am writing to you to reiterate that responsibility for the regulation of NVPs is shared between the Commonwealth and the States and Territories,” Mr Hunt says in his letter to Victoria’s health minister Martin Foley.

“Each State and Territory has its own laws regulating the supply and possession of NVPs, and each has direct responsibility for enforcing these laws.

“I ask that you take active steps to monitor compliance with these laws and take enforcement action as appropriate, particularly with respect to retailers who continue to supply NVPs to school children.

“The involvement of and cooperation amongst all jurisdictions in enforcing our respective laws is likely to lead to the best outcomes in deterring supply of NVPs (especially to minors) and to meet community expectations.”

But Mr Foley said more needs to be done at a federal level to strengthen regulations around e-cigarettes.

He pointed Victoria’s actions in funding resources aimed at educating young people on the dangers of vaping.

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt (pictured) has urged state leaders to tackle the problem of children illegally obtaining e-cigarettes.

“We’ve put strict rules in place in Victoria regarding the advertising, sale and use of e-cigarettes,” Mr Foley said.

“We need more action from the (Federal Government) to strengthen e-cigarette regulation at a national level.

“We encourage the Morrison Government to get on with it.”

Since October last year there have been 361 investigations into alleged breaches of the Therapeutic Goods Act in relation to nicotine vaping products.

There are currently 110 active nicotine vaping product-related cases, including 17 in relation to alleged advertising offences and 93 relating to alleged import or supply offences.

More than $450,000 in fines have been issued for 49 breaches.

Victorian Health Minister Martin Foley has responded, saying the Federal Government should do more to strengthen regulations around the product. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

In Victoria it is currently illegal to use an e-cigarette in areas where children and families are likely to be present, such as schools, kindergarten and skate parks.

It is also an offence to advertise or display e-cigarette products at retail outlets or sell them to people under 18.

ANU’s review found young nonsmokers who vape were around three times more likely to take up smoking.

“Nicotine use in children and adolescents can lead to lifelong addiction to issues as well as difficulties in concentration and learning,” the review’s lead author Professor Emily Banks said.

The findings have prompted Australia’s Cancer Council to issue an urgent warning to governments to act now and protect their communities from the new trend.

“Every week we’re hearing growing community concern about e-cigarettes in schools, the health harms and the risks of smoking uptake among young people,” Anita Dessaix, Cancer Council’s Public Health Committee Chair, said.

“This thorough, rigorous, independent report, from one of the world’s leading public health research centres, should put an end to the misinformation being spread by people trying to make money from e-cigarettes.”

Originally published as Experts warn of ‘public health crisis’ for kids as state leaders urged to ban illicit vape sales