Australian government cracks down on vaping
The Australian government has announced a crackdown on smoking and vaping. Health Minister Mark Butler revealed on Tuesday that recreational vaping would be banned to prevent the next generation from becoming addicted to nicotine. The government will work with states and territories to shut down the sale of vapes in retail and convenience stores and make it easier to get a prescription for therapeutic use. The tobacco tax will also be increased by 5% each year, amounting to a total increase of AUD 3.3 billion over four years.
The Hazards of Vaping
“Vapes contain more than 200 chemicals that do not belong in the lungs. Some of the same chemicals you will find in nail polish remover and weed killer,” Butler said. The Australian government aims to prevent the negative impact of vaping on public health by increasing regulations on e-cigarettes. The recent boost of AUD 234 million for tougher regulation of e-cigarettes includes new controls on importation and packaging.
Increasing Product Standards
The Australian government will increase the product standards for vapes to tackle the growing black market. This includes restricting flavors and colors, pharmaceutical-like packaging, a reduction in the maximum allowed nicotine concentrations and volumes, and a ban on single-use vapes. The goal of these measures is to reduce the use of vapes among young people, particularly in high schools, where vaping has become a significant behavioral issue.
Impact on Public Health
The hard-won gains in public health relating to the reduction in smoking could be undone by the “new threat.” The Australian Medical Association has backed the move, saying that the new young generation of Australians is being hooked on vapes, and this initiative is a great way to prevent that. According to government statistics, Australia has one of the lowest smoking rates among the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development countries, with 11.2% of Australians 15 and over smoking in 2019.
Public Health Campaigns
The government will launch an AUD 63-million public health campaign to discourage Australians from taking up vaping and encourage those who already have to quit. Support programs helping Australians quit vaping will be bolstered by an investment of AUD 30 million, and education among health practitioners about smoking and nicotine cessation will be strengthened. The government will commit a further AUD 140 million for a program helping Indigenous people stop smoking, which will be expanded to include vaping.
Conclusion
The Australian government’s crackdown on smoking and vaping is an attempt to prevent the next generation from becoming addicted to nicotine. By increasing the tobacco tax, banning recreational vaping, and increasing regulations on e-cigarettes, the government aims to reduce the use of vapes among young people. The AUD 63-million public health campaign and support programs to quit vaping will help prevent the negative impact of vaping on public health.
FAQs
What is the Australian government doing to crack down on smoking and vaping?
The Australian government is increasing the tobacco tax, banning recreational vaping, and increasing regulations on e-cigarettes to reduce the use of vapes among young people.
Why is the Australian government cracking down on vaping?
The government aims to prevent the next generation from becoming addicted to nicotine. Vaping has become a significant behavioral issue in high schools, and it’s becoming widespread in primary schools.
What will happen to vapes in retail and convenience stores?
The government will work with states and territories to shut down the sale of vapes in retail and convenience stores.
How will the Australian government tackle the growing black market?
The government will increase the product standards for vapes, including restricting flavors and colors, pharmaceutical-like packaging, a reduction in the maximum allowed nicotine concentrations and volumes, and a ban on single-use vapes.