Cancer Council, Quit Victoria call for crackdown on vaping rules amid new research

Leading health bodies are calling for a crackdown on vaping rules amid frightening new research surrounding teens who start the habit.

Health experts are calling for a crackdown on teenagers’ access to vape amid new research that shows the full scope of its harm.

The push comes after new evidence found people who used e-cigarettes were highly likely to go on to smoke.

VicHealth chief executive Sandro Demaio said research from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) detailed how chemicals in vapes could cause both cancer and brain damage.

“We’re hearing from parents and community leaders, and teens themselves, that vaping is a huge issue for communities around Victoria,” Dr Demaio said.

“The NHMRC review found that e-cigarettes present very real dangers to children and youth.

“The liquid in e-cigarettes contains dozens of toxic chemicals, including formaldehyde, nicotine and heavy metals. These are chemicals that are known to cause cancer and damage the brain and do not belong in our lungs.”

Cancer Council Victoria chief executive Todd Harper agreed with the plea, saying there was a need in Victoria to simplify and strengthen enforcement of e-cigarette laws.

New research has revealed more information on vaping habits.

“We need the federal government to do more to stop unlawful e-cigarette imports, sure, but we also need to ensure there are consequences for retailers in Victoria who are knowingly doing the wrong thing and illegally selling harmful e-cigarettes to children,” he said.

Mr Harper said Cancer Council surveys showed high levels of community support for measures that protected children from vaping and smoking.

“There are serious community concerns right now and strong support for action,” he said.

“The Victorian government has the opportunity to introduce a gold standard licensing scheme and really show the way in Australia.”

Quit Victoria director Sarah White detailed how the NHMRC review reported conclusive evidence that children who vaped were more likely to go on to smoke.

“Let’s set our young people up for a healthier future. We can’t sit by and let companies break the law to make a buck at the expense of children’s lungs,” she said.

“We have to stop companies, backed by Big Tobacco, and retailers from using these products to addict a new generation of Australians to harmful products.”

Each group is calling for the Victorian government to introduce a retail licensing scheme that will deter and, if necessary, penalise retailers breaking the law

In Victoria it is illegal to sell an e-cigarette device or e-cigarette accessory to anyone under 18, but only Victoria Police can enforce the laws against selling nicotine e-cigarettes.

Originally published as Cancer Council, Quit Victoria call for crackdown on vaping rules amid new research