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Quick links to detailed datasheets for Australia at gsthr.org

Smoking in Australia

The number of daily smokers in Australia is 2.7 million.

Read articles from Australia

February 28, 2024 by health.gov.au

Minister for Health and Aged Care - press conference - 28 February 2024

Vaping or e-cigarettes were sold to our community and communities right around the world as a therapeutic good that would be a really useful tool for hardened smokers, usually middle aged and older Australians who have been smoking for decades, but were finding it really difficult to kick that habit. We now know, after a few years of this health experiment though, that vaping is something very different. This is a deliberate and cynical exercise by the Big Tobacco industry to recruit a new generation to nicotine addiction.

February 28, 2024 by abc.net.au

What are nicotine pouches? Are they safe to use, and why has the government banned them?

Health authorities are increasingly concerned about the illegal sale of a new nicotine product luring in young people and gaining traction across Australia.
Under Australian law, it is illegal for nicotine pouches to be commercially sold or advertised. But online retailers and some Queensland tobacconists are selling the pouches in colourful packaging, marketed as an alternative to smoking and vaping. Queensland Health has notified several Gold Coast businesses "about the illegality of nicotine pouches". 

February 27, 2024 by health.gov.au

What’s really in a vape?

Have you ever wondered what’s really in vapes? Find out how vapes work and some of the hundreds of toxic chemicals they can contain.

February 27, 2024 by health.gov.au

What’s really in a vape?

Have you ever wondered what’s really in vapes? Find out how vapes work and some of the hundreds of toxic chemicals they can contain.

February 27, 2024 by sydney.edu.au

Nicotine pouches are being marketed to young people But are they safe

Flavoured nicotine pouches are being advertised to young people on TikTok and Instagram, with some videos claiming they help with quitting vaping. The tobacco industry, including companies like Philip Morris International and British American Tobacco, produces these pouches. Despite restrictions on vaping products, the industry continues to innovate to maintain revenue. The legality of nicotine pouches in Australia remains unclear, with concerns about their promotion to youth on social media platforms.

February 26, 2024 by miragenews.com

Rise And Rise Of Vapes

The rise of disposable vaspes poses dangers to young people despite recent regulations. Professor Peters highlights parallels between vaping's growth and the tobacco industry's tactics. The increasing availability of modern disposable vapes, posing high addiction risks, is concerning. Misconceptions about nicotine content in vapes add to the issue. Vaping's harmful effects align closely with smoking, with a noted rise in tobacco use among young vapers. Legislation changes in Australia aim to restrict vape availability, emphasizing their role as a cessation aid.

February 26, 2024 by theconversation.com

Nicotine pouches are being marketed to young people on social media. But are they safe, or even legal?

Nicotine pouches with attractive flavors are being endorsed to youngsters on social media platforms. Despite some videos being removed, influencers are promoting these pouches as a safe vaping alternative. The pouches, popular among youth, are discreet and come in various strengths and flavors. While not containing tobacco, they have nicotine and can be addictive. In Australia, these pouches are not legally sold due to strict tobacco regulations. Health risks include addiction and potential long-term effects. Authorities are seizing these products, as underage users may obtain them illegally.

February 23, 2024 by thecritic.co.uk

A new low in anti-vape scaremongering

A Tasmania anti-smoking activist, Kathryn Barnsley, displayed a misleading anti-vaping banner, wrongly attributing oral cancer risks to vaping. The claim is based on a single case study of a young man with tongue cancer, with no evidence from scientific literature supporting a link to vaping. The banner displayed misinformation, amplifying scaremongering tactics. Such misleading information spreads easily and could hinder the understanding of the harm reduction potential of vaping.

February 20, 2024 by express.co.uk

Rishi Sunak urged to U-turn on UK vape ban over black market fears

Rishi Sunak's proposal for a single-use vape ban to curb youth vaping has drawn criticism due to the ineffectiveness of similar measures in Australia. The Australian black market for vapes has boomed despite bans, leading to safety concerns. Theo Foukkare highlights the failure of prohibition and advocates for regulated sales to adults. In response, Sunak emphasizes the need to protect children from addiction and health risks. Labour's consideration of a prescription-only policy for vapes, based on Australia's approach, raises concerns about straining the NHS with additional consultations.

February 19, 2024 by youtube.com

The Advocates Voice 2024 Australia and the United Kingdom

In this episode we explore the situation in Australia and the evolving situation in the United Kingdom. Draconian "regulations" or De Facto Ban? Language Warning. We let you hear from the people directly impacted.