PHAA applauds strong, vital action against vaping epidemic and industry’s targeting of children

The country’s peak body for public health has welcomed the announcement of the Australian Government’s new vaping regulations, which will come into effect from 1 January 2024.

The changes include a ban on the import of disposable vapes, and an expanded access scheme for medical use from the start of 2024.

“The vaping epidemic has been mounting for years and has proven to be a threat to the health of our kids,” says Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) CEO, Adjunct Professor Terry Slevin.

“The government has listened to parents, teachers, health experts, and the community in taking strong action against the rapidly growing vaping industry, and should be congratulated.

“Nicotine addition, respiratory illness, acute toxicity, and mental ill-health are just the beginning of the harms we’re seeing these products cause.

“If some smokers find e-cigarettes helpful to quit smoking, that pathway will still be open. But instead of being self-regulated, it will be under medical supervision where there’s a much higher chance of success.

“Street-corner nicotine vendors selling brightly coloured pina colada, gummy bear, or blueberry flavoured products, which contain ingredients never designed to be inhaled into human lungs, will have to find their profits elsewhere.

“The government’s proposed actions are good news for parents and carers of young people who vape, and bad news for the vaping and nicotine industry desperate to find younger customers they can hook for life.”