Read articles from Oceania
January 31, 2025 by wearesa.au
SA becomes first state to ban nicotine pouches
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 ama.com.au
Nicotine pouch crackdown will help curb risky trend
AMA SA President Dr. John Williams has supported the South Australian Government's crackdown on the illegal sale of nicotine pouches. He warns that these products are unregulated, may contain high levels of nicotine, and include unknown chemicals. Available in flavors appealing to children, nicotine pouches are becoming increasingly popular among young people—25% of surveyed individuals aged 16–39 admitted to using them. Dr. Williams cautions that nicotine pouches could become the next major youth health threat.
January 30, 2025 by 9news.com.au
South Australia becomes first state to ban nicotine pouches
The South Australian government banned the sale of highly potent nicotine pouches, similar to banned illegal vapes, due to health concerns and targeting of young people. Pouches can contain up to 120mg of nicotine, far exceeding cigarette levels. Health and Consumer Affairs Ministers expressed concerns about the unknown contents, high nicotine levels, and appeal to youth. Fines up to $1.5 million will apply to sellers. The ban aligns with previous measures against emerging tobacco products. The actions aim to protect public health and safety in South Australia.
January 24, 2025 by youtube.com
Ep: 9 - It's Time To Embrace Harm Reduction With Dr Colin Mendelson.
This episode features Dr. Mendelsohn discussing vaping’s role in harm reduction, societal misconceptions, the stigma smokers face, and the impact of Australia’s restrictive vaping policies.
January 21, 2025 by rnz.co.nz
GP organisation concerned about funded vaping kits, part of Smokefree 2025 plan
General practitioners express concern over government funding for vaping kits to aid smokers in quitting under the Smokefree 2025 plan, citing health risks and limited success rates. Despite government claims of reduced smoking rates due to vaping, GP Aotearoa urges for more evidence-based decisions and transparency, mentioning potential risks like lung damage and links to cancer. While the government defends vaping's effectiveness in smoking cessation, GP Aotearoa calls for reassessment and consultation with healthcare professionals. The group remains open to evidence-based strategies to reduce smoking rates and enhance public health, emphasizing the need for further research on vaping's long-term effects.
January 20, 2025 by technologynetworks.com
How Cigarette Smoke Impairs Critical Lung Immune Cells
Australian researchers have identified how chemicals in cigarette smoke and e-cigarettes impact immune cells in the lungs, making smokers more vulnerable to respiratory infections and worsening conditions like COPD. Published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, the study reveals cigarette smoke hampers immune responses and exacerbates lung diseases. The research team found that components in smoke affect immune cells' functions and could lead to developing more effective COPD treatments. By studying MAIT cells, researchers observed reduced cell function in smoke-exposed mice, emphasizing the role of cigarette smoke in weakening immune defense and promoting lung diseases.
January 07, 2025 by times.co.nz
Health group slams Government vaping plan
The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ criticizes the Government's use of vaping starter kits for smoking cessation, calling it irresponsible. Associate Minister of Health Casey Costello plans to provide vaping kits through Stop Smoking Services, aiming to help smokers quit. Despite vaping's role in reducing smoking rates, concerns over long-term effects and lack of consultation with experts are raised. The Foundation stresses the importance of a clear exit strategy from nicotine addiction. Costello defends the initiative as part of efforts to achieve Smokefree 2025 goals by targeting the right audience with effective tools. Collaboration across the health sector is key to encouraging referrals to stop smoking services.
January 06, 2025 by abc.net.au
Government looks to crack down on vaping, illicit tobacco as opposition calls on LNP to release budget update
The Queensland government reports that criminal gangs are heavily involved in the sale of illicit tobacco and illegal vapes, despite ongoing police raids. Health Minister Tim Nicholls revealed that 350-400 stores, including repeat offenders, are currently under surveillance by Queensland Health. Nicholls emphasized the need for stronger action, stating that on-the-spot fines fail to deter offenders. He advocated for financial penalties targeting criminal gangs' profits as a more effective deterrent.
January 03, 2025 by rnz.co.nz
Vaping kits to be made free for smokers to help them quit
A campaigner supports government's plan to distribute free vaping starter kits to help adults quit smoking, aiming to achieve Smokefree 2025 goals. Vaping is seen as a safer alternative to smoking, reducing health risks. The initiative includes providing vape devices and nicotine pods monthly over three months to smokers via stop-smoking services. A new marketing campaign is launched to further promote quitting. Efforts target key audiences through social media and local networks. Increasing access to effective tools is crucial, with a focus on collaboration within the health sector. The message emphasizes the benefits of quitting and the support available.
December 19, 2024 by clearingtheair.eu
New Zealand rushes vape restrictions through parliament
The New Zealand government has passed strict new vape regulations banning disposable vapes by June 2025. Vapes can no longer be displayed in retail shops or given away for free. Online stores and specialist vape shops face visibility restrictions and sales to minors now result in penalties up to $100,000. The regulations aim to curb youth vaping while supporting smokers who use vapes to quit. Enforcement will increase with new penalties to reinforce compliance. A recent survey shows a decline in youth vaping rates, supporting the effectiveness of regulations in reducing youth vaping.
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