Read articles from Australia

March 05, 2025 by gfn.tv

New Zealand's acceptance of safer nicotine products has spearheaded an unprecedented drop in smoking rates in its indigenous communities - can its neighbour Australia leaern a thing or two from New Zealand's success? In this latest episode of GFN News Will Godfrey joins us to highlight a recent paper by Colin Mendelsohn exploring New Zealand's plummeting smoking rates.

February 17, 2025 by news.com.au

New research suggests that vaping may be even more harmful than previously thought. A Reddit user, a former vaping addict, described struggling to remove a greasy residue from their car windows after years of heavy use of disposable vapes. Despite regular cleaning, the buildup persisted, causing strong glare on the windshield and forcing them to keep the air conditioning on at all times. Lead researcher and distinguished professor Brian Oliver believes the Australian public deserves to be better informed about the dangers of third-hand vaping, especially young people who “don’t often think of these risks”

February 14, 2025 by medicalxpress.com

Two professionals' study in the Addiction journal compared smoking rates in Australia and New Zealand, finding faster declines in New Zealand. They attribute this to New Zealand's less restrictive vaping regulations. The research suggests that increasing access to nicotine vaping products could benefit public health and reduce smoking rates, especially among disadvantaged populations. The restrictive vaping model in Australia might lead to a thriving black market. The study recommends less strict regulations, such as licensed retail sales, age verification, and limited advertising, to balance reducing youth access and encouraging smokers to switch to vaping. Implementing a more permissive policy similar to New Zealand could help improve public health outcomes and curb the illicit vape market.

February 12, 2025 by gfn.tv

Why has New Zealand's smoking rate dropped so far below Australia's in recent years, and what can we subsequently learn from New Zealand's approach to safer nicotine products? In this episode of GFN News THR advocate Colin Mendelsohn highlights the striking difference in approach to vaping in New Zealand and Australia. Enjoy!

February 11, 2025 by filtermag.org

A study published in the Addiction journal indicates that nicotine vaping can help reduce health disparities, particularly for low-income and Indigenous groups. The research compares smoking and vaping trends in Australia and New Zealand from 2016 to 2023. New Zealand's more supportive vaping regulations led to a faster decline in smoking, especially in disadvantaged communities. The study suggests that embracing vaping as a harm reduction strategy could significantly reduce smoking rates and health inequalities. Other countries are encouraged to consider similar regulations to benefit high-risk populations.

February 10, 2025 by wiley.com

Comparing regulatory models for nicotine vaping products in different countries can provide insights into the most effective regulatory approach but can be confounded by cross-national differences. This study compared two neighbouring countries with very different vaping regulatory models but with similar tobacco control policies and population demographics. Australia has a highly restrictive, prescription-only vaping policy, while New Zealand adopted a regulated consumer model.

January 31, 2025 by biomelbourne.org

Cigarette smoke alters lung immune cells, making smokers more prone to respiratory infections like COPD. Australian researchers found that chemicals in smoke affect MAIT cells, which defend against infections and inflammation. The study suggests smoke weakens immune responses and worsens lung diseases. Collaborative research showed smoke-exposed mice had lung problems and were more vulnerable to influenza. The absence of MAIT cells protected mice from smoke-induced COPD. Understanding the impact of smoke on MAIT cells could lead to improved COPD treatments. Further investigations will explore specific MAIT cell pathways affected by smoke exposure. This study highlights the importance of interdisciplinary science in uncovering smoking-related health risks and potential treatments.

January 31, 2025 by wearesa.au

Nicotine pouches, also known as Zyn or snus, are banned in South Australia due to their popularity, especially among young people. The pouches, marketed as alternatives to vapes and tobacco, are now subject to strict controls and fines of up to $1.5 million for sellers. These small pouches deliver nicotine quickly into the bloodstream and come in various flavors, often targeting children and young adults. The State Government is taking action under new legislation to combat illicit tobacco and vaping markets.

January 30, 2025 by miragenews.com

South Australia has banned highly addictive nicotine pouches to combat the illegal tobacco and vape market. The new legislation subjects pouches to the same controls as illicit tobacco and e-cigarettes to prevent a dangerous trend. Authorities can seize pouches and issue fines up to $1.5 million. The government has also increased penalties for various offenses related to tobacco and vape products. A dedicated task force has seized over $12 million worth of illicit tobacco and vapes. An advertising campaign aims to reduce smoking and vaping impacts, with support available for those looking to quit. The ban aims to protect children and young people from harmful nicotine products.

January 30, 2025 by 7news.com.au

South Australia has banned nicotine pouch sales statewide, cracking down on the highly addictive product marketed with various flavors to appeal to young users. The new law, effective January 30, subjects pouches to strict penalties akin to illegal tobacco and e-cigarettes, with fines reaching $1.5 million. The move aims to curb the illicit tobacco and vape market and protect children from addiction. The lack of regulation surrounding pouches prompted the crackdown, with concerns about unknown nicotine levels and harmful chemicals. Authorities encourage reporting illicit sellers and offer support through the Quitline for those seeking to quit nicotine products.