Vaping claims go up in smoke

Australia’s top health and medical research body has given a stark warning about the dangers of e-cigarettes.

A review of the evidence surrounding the technology has found vaping was not an effective cessation tool. Picture: AFP

Australia’s top health and medical research body has given a stark warning about the dangers of e-cigarettes, with a review of the evidence surrounding the technology finding vaping was not an effective cessation tool.

The National Health and Medical Research Council CEO Statement on Thursday said the vapour from e-cigarette devices could “clearly” be harmful, with “limited evidence” vaping was effective at helping smokers quit.

It follows a number of other reports, including one by the Australian National University and commissioned by the Health Department, which found e-cigarettes could cause seizures and lung ­injuries, prompting health groups to warn a “public health crisis is rapidly unfolding before our eyes”.

The ANU report, released in April, was described as one of the most comprehensive global studies of health impacts linked to e-cigarettes ever published and detailed early warning signs detected in blood pressure, heart rate and lung functioning.

The NHMRC’s advice raised similar concerns, and stated that “all e-cigarette users are exposed to chemicals and toxins that have the potential to cause harm”.

“The design and technology behind e-cigarettes continue to evolve but the method is the same – e-cigarettes deliver harmful substances direct to the lungs,” NHMRC CEO Anne Kelso said.

“We know from data gathered nationally that the number of e-cigarette related calls to Australian Poisons Information Centres doubled between 2020 and 2021.

“If you have never used e-cigarettes, don’t start ... there is a possibility you will go on to smoke tobacco cigarettes.”

The NHMRC said: “More research is needed on the potential impacts of e-cigarette use on conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, reproductive health, respiratory outcomes and mental illness.

The proportion of Australians who had ever used e-cigarettes rose from 8.8 per cent to 11.3 per cent between 2016 and 2019, with a notable increase among youth and young adults. Nearly two in three current smokers and one in five people who had never smoked aged 18-24 reported having tried e-cigarettes.