The Dangers of E-Cigarettes: Queensland Government's Public Health Campaign

According to a report by Bundaberg Today on September 4th, the government of Queensland, Australia has launched a new public health campaign costing $1.3 million, aimed at educating young people about the dangers of e-cigarettes and vaping.

The "No Sweetness in e-cigarettes" campaign targeting adolescents aged 12 to 17 was designed with the assistance of 50 young individuals from rural, urban, and regional areas of Queensland.

The event will emphasize the harmful chemicals and components (such as lead, arsenic, and formaldehyde) in e-cigarettes and their impact on health.

A new website is set to provide young Queenslanders with information about the ingredients of e-cigarettes, the associated dangers, and tips on how to quit smoking. It will also offer advice for parents and guardians on how to engage in discussions with their children about e-cigarettes.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) revealed last year that over a fifth (22%) of young people between the ages of 18-24 and 14% of youths aged 15-17 have tried e-cigarettes, with expectations of this figure further increasing.

Prior to this event, the local government recently invested 5 million Australian dollars in launching an anti-e-cigarette program in public and non-public high schools, developed by Griffith University.