According to a report by Australian news outlet Pedestrian, researchers at the University of Western Australia have recently discovered that e-cigarette shops are disproportionately concentrated in disadvantaged areas of the state. In fact, nearly 90% of these shops are within walking distance of schools. When compared to wealthier areas within the state, impoverished areas have seven times more e-cigarette shops, with 88% of them being less than one kilometer away from schools.
Although the research is limited to Western Australia, researchers say that this is not surprising and similar situations may exist throughout the country, highlighting the need for further reforms in e-cigarette regulations.
We have learned from overseas studies that the tobacco industry often establishes stores in impoverished areas in order to target vulnerable populations. We have also found the same pattern here with e-cigarette retailers," said Dr. Matthew Taskan, a researcher.
The proximity of e-cigarette stores to schools has increased opportunities for young people to be exposed to e-cigarettes and marketing practices, ultimately normalizing their use. While our research was conducted in Western Australia, the density of e-cigarette retailers near schools and disadvantaged communities is expected to be a prevalent issue nationwide in Australia.
Researchers have described smoking as an "epidemic" and have stated that although disposable e-cigarettes are currently banned, the government still urgently needs to address some significant loopholes.
In recent years, e-cigarette retailers have seen rapid growth across the country," stated Professor Terry Sullivan. He welcomed the latest e-cigarette reforms while pointing out that they primarily target the supply chain and retailers, rather than the users themselves. "Smokers who have decided to quit and need the help of e-cigarettes can still obtain assistance through a prescription from healthcare professionals," he said. "We urge all state and federal legislators to prioritize the health of young people and support comprehensive e-cigarette reforms, as advocated by public health professionals, schools, and teachers.
The latest reform, which came into effect on January 1st, has successfully seized hundreds, and even thousands, of pre-ordered disposable e-cigarettes set to be launched. The government announced that they have confiscated millions of dollars' worth of e-cigarettes.
However, other experts argue that this may simply imply the influx of more illegal e-cigarettes into the country. They suggest that smoking will continue to be a harmful epidemic until the government adopts a health-based approach rather than a criminal one.
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