Vaping: Qld government to probe effects, ways of curbing use

Premier Annastacia Pala­szczuk has called for an inquiry into vaping, describing the take-up of the habit among young Queenslanders “a really serious issue”. POLL

• Editor’s view: High time for probe

Premier Annastacia Pala­szczuk has called for an inquiry into vaping, saying she is particularly concerned by use among young people.

As reported in The Sunday Mail, the major parliamentary inquiry will aim to get to the bottom of what the devices actually contain, and look at the risks e-cigarette chemicals pose amid fears it is a prelude to smoking. It will also look at finding ways to curb the uptake of the habit.

“I’m hearing accounts of children in primary schools vaping during their lunch hours, so I think we need an educational campaign to really inform the public about what is actually in these vapes,” Ms Palaszczuk said on Sunday.

The parliamentary committee charged with taking up the probe will investigate how prevalent e-cigarette usage is among the Queensland population, particularly with young people.

Ms Palaszczuk said that one of the inquiry’s terms of reference will be looking at the prevalence in schools and what more can be done.

Annastacia Palaszczuk speaking on Sunday. Picture: Steve Pohlner

“This is a really serious issue. A lot of these vapes don’t contain the information of what’s in them. And it is alarming the rise of vaping where a lot of educated adults are thinking that it’s harmless. Vaping is harmful.”

She dismissed suggestions the move contradicted Queensland’s “weakening of drug laws” as unrelated and focused on stopping young Queenslanders ending up in hospital or very ill into the future.

“The long-term consequences could end up being as severe, if not more severe, than smoking,” she said.

“We’ve done a lot of good work nationally and internationally to reduce smoking rates throughout the country and vaping has slid under the door and now it’s on the rise.”

The Premier said she hoped to support schools and parents to raise young people’s awareness about what potentially toxic ingredients are used in vapes.

“This is about education. So I really want to see a lot of health professionals come before this committee and explain to the committee what is in these vapes,” she said.

“These young kids are vaping in schools and they’re vaping at home so we’ve got to make sure everyone knows that vaping is not a good health outcome.”

Ms Palaszczuk had earlier told the Sunday Mail she was concerned about e-cigarettes, with their variety of lolly-like flavours, being marketed to children. The devices can be bought easily and cheaply with cash.

“Fewer people are smoking but we are seeing a significant number of people vaping,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“If vaping is a stepping stone to smoking, we need to ensure Queenslanders, ­especially young Queenslanders, are aware of the health risks.”

She questioned if anyone really knew what they were inhaling when they used an e-cigarette.

She suggested finding out the answer to that question would equip the state government so it could “better educate” the public about the risks.

“Critically, we need to have greater knowledge about what vaping devices contain,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Do these devices contain nicotine or, worse, do they contain dangerous or toxic chemicals?

“What are the possible health risks and long-term consequences?

“The committee will be able to recommend the best way forward for the government to address what is an important health issue for current and future generations of Queenslanders.”

Vaping devices and e-cigarettes with nicotine are only legal to buy if they come with a prescription.

The Sunday Mail this week investigated how easy it was to access them at several convenience stores. At all the shops, full flavour menus with prices were available on display or at request.

Customers were also told at some convenience stores that it was cheaper if the devices were paid for with cash compared with card.

At one store, a vape cost $30 if it was paid for with cash, but it was $40 if it was paid for with card. At another store the cost was much cheaper, at $20.

The Sunday Mail did not buy any e-cigarettes.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath acknowledged vaping products could contain nicotine, despite products being marketed in a way that suggested they did not include the addictive substance.

“And e-cigarettes can contain other chemicals like chemicals found in nail polish remover,” Ms D’Ath said.

“It’s important people understand the long-term health risks that may be associated with this relatively new trend.”

She said the government had been working with retailers to stamp out illegal trade of nicotine products.

“If they’re selling them to underage kids, then of course that’s illegal. We’re seeing that of course with tobacco as well.

“That regulation will occur at a national level. But looking at awareness, I think it’s key for the community to feel empowered to make the right decisions.”

The inquiry has also been tasked with examining the ­effectiveness of measures aimed at preventing vaping, as well as how aware Queenslanders are of the effects of the habit on their health.

The inquiry could pave the way for changes over how e-cigarettes are regulated in the Sunshine State.

In making its case for launching the probe, the government has pointed to a study from the Australian National University. According to the government, the study shows people are three times more likely to take up smoking if they try vaping.

A number of Queensland schools have installed detectors in bathrooms in a bid to combat vaping among students, with The Courier-Mail previously detailing how children as young as 10 were being caught with e-cigarettes.

The parliamentary health and environment committee will undertake the inquiry and will report back to Parliament with its findings by the end of August.

Julie Sanderson with daughter Sabrina, 16. Picture: Richard Walker

MOTHER WELCOMES INQUIRY

Julie Sanderson has welcomed the parliamentary inquiry as a great idea – pointing out how little is known about e-cigarettes.

But she has also suggested that engaging with medical experts in addition to educators who regularly deal with kids could be helpful as well.

Ms Sanderson, of Samford ---- of Brisbane, is worried about how easy it is for children to access e-cigarettes – and says the habit is quite prevalent among her 16-year-old daughter Sabrina’s age group.

“They’ve got an appeal that has got no … inkling of it being a drug,” she said.

“I don’t think we’re really aware of what the potential health dangers are of vaping in the next 20 years, which we will probably discover.”

Ms Sanderson said she talks with Sabrina – who does not vape – about the potential dangers of e-cigarettes, and appreciates that the Year 11 students asks her questions as well.

Triple P parenting expert Alan Ralph said parents should start a conversation with their children about vaping “as soon as possible” depending on their level of maturity.

“It’s part of the everyday conversations that they (parents) need to have with their kids about life in general in how to respond to the challenges that come along,” he said.

“Finding the time when you’re both kind of at ease and relaxed and able to have a two-way conversation is really what it should be about.

“And that should be done on a daily basis across all topics.”

Originally published as Vaping: Qld government to probe effects, ways of curbing use