29 June 2022

Physicians and paediatricians from the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) say that the rise in youth vaping, exposed in an ABC Four Corners report on Monday night, is seriously concerning.

The RACP says the Federal Government should consider strengthening importation laws and their enforcement to reduce the growing black-market supply of vaping products to children and young people.

Professor Emily Banks, a public health physician and RACP Fellow says “The rise in vaping that we’re seeing in young people is extremely concerning.

“All nicotine e-cigarette use that is not on prescription is illegal, yet there are massive volumes of high concentration nicotine vaping products being imported into Australia for use by young people.   

“The evidence shows that e-cigarettes should be avoided in non-smokers, especially young people. Alongside other harms, they cause nicotine addiction in youth and use of e-cigarettes increases the risk of taking up tobacco smoking around three-fold.” Professor Banks said.

RACP President Dr Jacqueline Small says “The investigation by ABC Four Corners highlights lack of enforcement of current vaping laws at all levels of governments, which has resulted in an increase in use of e-cigarettes among young people and the emerging black market in vapes. This demonstrates the need for a review of importation scheme arrangements and better state-level enforcement of large volume on-sellers.

“We need to prevent youth from taking up vaping  through a range of  approaches: stronger enforcement of existing legislation and a tightening of the importation schemes, restriction of promotion of vaping that appeals to children and ensuring that vape packaging discloses all ingredients. In particular, the Federal Government needs to crack down on large-scale illegal importation.

“Current regulation for prescription-based vaping is not properly policed and vaping products are easily sourced online or from peers/on sellers and promoted digitally.

“The RACP has been advocating that not smoking tobacco or using e-cigarettes remain the safest options for the community. E-cigarettes should not be the first-line treatment for smoking cessation and remain an aid of last resort.

“Our regulation and response must keep up with a fast-moving and innovative vaping industry.” Dr Small said.