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By ROBBIE MASON
The Minns Government has launched a determined crackdown on illegal vape sellers, allocating $6.8 million over three years to combat vaping-related issues, following the release of alarming research which exposes the severe health dangers of vaping and the industry’s disregard for local laws.
$4.8 million will go towards compliance and enforcement. The remainder of funding will boost crucial support services for young people struggling with vaping addictions.
The vape trade has proven notoriously difficult to regulate.
Commissioned research undertaken by University of Wollongong staff found that the vast majority of vapes currently on the market contain high nicotine concentrations, even though it is illegal for consumers to buy nicotine vapes without a prescription from a doctor.
Of the 750 vaping devices analysed – many of which did not list nicotine as an ingredient – 737 contained high doses of nicotine. 322 of the samples came from the hands of school children.
A number of vapes contained ethylene glycol, a toxic chemical found in antifreeze which the Therapeutic Good Administration (TGA) has banned.
NSW Premier Chris Minns underscored the government’s commitment to safeguarding the health of children and youth, stating, “we’re committed to taking the fight against illegal vapes, particularly to protect children and young people from the dangers of vaping.”
He emphasised that vaping has become a gateway to increased smoking rates among youth, making it a significant public health challenge requiring cooperation at all government levels.
A range of studies have previously revealed that non-smokers who experiment with e-cigarettes or vapes are three times more likely to transition to traditional tobacco cigarettes.
The state’s Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant, said, “there is no such thing as a safe vape”.
Vape usage has proliferated in recent years, particularly among young people.
Dr Kerry Chant stated, “the number of vaping-related calls to the NSW Poison Information Centre has tripled since 2020. What is most concerning is 71 per cent of these calls were about nicotine poisonings in children under four years of age.”
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said, “tough action is needed to stop the illegal sale of vapes containing nicotine, and to prevent vapes from finding their way into the hands of minors.”
