Smoking in Australia
In 2017-18, just under one in seven (13.8%) or 2.6 million adults were daily smokers, whilst a further 1.4% of people also reported smoking on a less than daily basis. Since 1995, the proportion of adults who are daily smokers has decreased from 23.8% to 13.8% in 2017-18. Over recent years however, the daily smoking rate has remained fairly constant (14.5% in 2014-15). Despite this, the proportion of adults who have never smoked has increased from 49.4% in 2007-08 to 52.6% in 2014-15 and 55.7% in 2017-18. In 2017-18, young adults aged 18-24 years were more likely to have never smoked than any other age group, with 69.6% of men and 81.5% of women in this age group reporting that they had never smoked. These proportions have increased from 64.0% and 64.9% respectively since 2007-08. The national Health Survey was conducted in all states and territories and across urban, rural and remote areas of Australia in 2017/18. The survey included around 21,000 people in over 16,000 private dwellings. Previous surveys have been conducted since 1989/90.
Read articles from Australia
July 25, 2024 by colinmendelsohn.com.au
A Media-Generated Moral Panic Drives the Vape Debate
An analysis of Australian news stories has exposed the media’s role in creating a moral panic about youth vaping. The resulting outrage and distorted public opinion leads to knee-jerk, heavy-handed responses by regulators, without considering the unintended consequences or alternative options.
In reviewing media stories over a 6-month period, the researchers from the University of Queensland found that media reports were often sensationalised and inflammatory.
July 25, 2024 by colinmendelsohn.com.au
A Media-Generated Moral Panic Drives the Vape Debate
An analysis of Australian news stories has exposed the media’s role in creating a moral panic about youth vaping. The resulting outrage and distorted public opinion leads to knee-jerk, heavy-handed responses by regulators, without considering the unintended consequences or alternative options.
In reviewing media stories over a 6-month period, the researchers from the University of Queensland found that media reports were often sensationalised and inflammatory.
July 25, 2024 by ft.lk
From Smoke to Smokeless: The Globe Discusses Harm Reduction
Last month’s Global Forum on Nicotine in Warsaw unearthed a wealth of new findings and experiences that will have policymakers around the world revisiting their approach to tobacco control and modern tobacco and nicotine-based harm reduction products. Some of the key observations shared by tobacco control specialists is how excessive regulation has driven people underground and fuelled the growth of substantial illicit drugs.
July 25, 2024 by colinmendelsohn.com.au
10 Reasons Why the New Pharmacy Vape Model Will Fail
From 1 October 2024, vapes and e-liquids (with or without nicotine) will be classified as schedule 3 medicines and will be legally available without a prescription only from pharmacies. Here are 10 reasons why the pharmacy model will inevitably fail, probably not (...)
July 22, 2024 by vapingpost.com
How Teen Vaping Data is Reported to Create Fear
A recent paper explored the optimal way to define “e-cigarette use” among youth in a manner pertinent to individual and public health. Commonly, definitions of youth vaping are derived from those used for tobacco cigarette smoking. In fact very frequently vaping is even referred to as tobacco use, despite the fact that vapes do not contain tobacco. Moreover, many definitions tend to not be appropriate for vaping products, given the lower risk profile and different usage patterns.
July 15, 2024 by yahoo.com
Government's new $244 million vaping plan 'certain to fail' with calls for 'more education'
Dr. Colin Mendelsohn advocates for legalizing and regulating vaping to reduce smoking's health and economic impact, pointing out the success in New Zealand. He criticizes Australia's anti-vaping laws, suggesting they are doomed to fail and hinder smoking cessation efforts. Despite concerns about litter and environmental impact, Mendelsohn believes vapes are a safer alternative to cigarettes. He emphasizes the need for better education on vaping and disposal practices. Smoking-related healthcare costs in Australia are a significant burden on the economy. The expert warns that stringent vaping regulations may not curb smoking and could fuel a thriving black market.
July 15, 2024 by abc.net.au
Anti-smoking group says illegal tobacco seizures a sign more needs to be done to crack WA's black market
An anti-smoking advocate says the seizure of tens of thousands of dollars worth of illegal tobacco across regional Western Australia shows more needs to be done to combat the state's black market trade. Police seized thousands of cigarettes and vapes in raids across Bunbury, Manjimup and Geraldton last week. The raids, by detectives from the organised crime squad, netted more than 200,000 cigarettes, 16,000 vapes, 162 kilograms of illegal tobacco and $55,950 in cash. Police say the investigation into the seizures is ongoing.
July 08, 2024 by monash.edu
Australian researchers present potential new treatment option for nicotine addiction
Smokers seeking to conquer their addiction may have a new treatment option following the results from a clinical trial led by Monash University, which found a combination of varenicline and nicotine lozenges significantly improved smoking abstinence when compared with varenicline alone. Both varenicline and nicotine lozenges (a form of nicotine replacement therapy) are medications commonly used for smoking cessation. Varenicline is the most effective single therapy currently available for smoking cessation.
July 05, 2024 by wiley.com
The ends do not justify the means when it comes to Australia's vaping policy
Smoking remains a leading cause of health inequalities and government policy needs to reduce this gradient. Many of the people who smoke are from underrepresented and disadvantaged groups, and therefore, hold little power when it comes to political decision making. Hall provides a range of evidence-based arguments that outline why Australia's e-cigarette policy is failing to deliver equitable and effective public health policy. Adding to Hall's own analysis of these issues, I have several further observations.
July 02, 2024 by fortune.com
Australians now need a prescription to buy a vape under new ‘world-leading’ law
Australia has implemented stringent vaping laws, requiring a prescription for purchase and limiting nicotine concentration in vape devices. The goal is to combat youth vaping, with a focus on smoking cessation. While praised for its approach, loopholes exist in the law, with restrictions set to ease slightly for adults over 18. Pharmacies are now responsible for vape sales, while illegal sellers face penalties. Enforcement challenges remain, with some stores still selling vape products easily. The new regulations aim to shift access to vapes and combat the rise of recreational vaping, emphasizing a therapeutic purpose.
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