New priority document highlights dangers of e-cigarettes in Australia

According to a new priority issues document released by the Gippsland Primary Health Network (PHN) in Victoria, Australia, electronic cigarettes pose a serious threat to community health.

The document emphasizes the side effects of electronic cigarettes, including seizures and poisoning in some users, as well as the impact of chemicals on the heart and lungs, some of which may even lead to cancer.

Electronic cigarettes expose users to heavy metals and fine particulate matter, which are also present in air pollution from traffic and forest fires, and short-term effects may include coughing, respiratory problems, vomiting, swelling, and throat irritation.

Amanda Proposch, CEO of Gippsland PHN, has revealed new priority documents highlighting the dangers of e-cigarettes. The statistics included show that the number of e-cigarette users is expected to increase by 2022, with 22% of adult Victorians admitting to using them - up from 17% in 2018-2019.

Among them, 6.1% are current users, up from 3% in 2018-2019, while 3.5% are regular users, up from 1.6%.

Ms. Proposch said, "What is extremely concerning is that the largest increase in e-cigarette use is among young people under the age of 30.

According to the document, in 2022, 19.4% of males aged 18-24 will be vaping (an increase from 10.8% in 2018-2019), while 15.2% of females in the same age group will be vaping (up by 2.8%).

An investigation by school staff in Australia has revealed that 78% of them are concerned about e-cigarettes in primary and secondary schools.

Ms. Proposch stated, "E-cigarettes pose a very real danger to our community - especially to children and young people.

If we want people to live longer and healthier lives, we need to address the issue of electronic cigarettes.

Other relevant facts included in the priority issue document are:

According to a report by students, the use of electronic cigarettes has been linked to poor mental health, decreased social interaction, and lower academic/sporting performance.

Electronic cigarettes typically contain more nicotine than traditional cigarettes.

Young people who use e-cigarettes are more likely to start smoking in the future.

Electronic cigarettes containing nicotine can be purchased at some Jipslan stores either under the counter or online.

Electronic cigarettes are harder to detect than traditional cigarettes because they may not have a recognizable smell or flavor, such as sweetness or fruitiness.

The tobacco industry is illegally selling electronic cigarettes to children and young people.

The flavor or sweetness of electronic cigarettes does not make them safe.

The priority issue document suggests that those wishing to help address this issue should advocate for the prohibition of importing and selling e-cigarettes and related products.

They can also invite young people to contribute to the design and provision of local resources and services in order to help raise awareness in the community.