Read articles from Oceania

September 30, 2024 by mja.com.au

Experts urge an inquiry into the toxicity of 6-methylnicotine, a dangerous nicotine alternative found in some vapes. Australia recently banned the sale and import of vapes but allows over-the-counter sales through pharmacies for individuals over 18. However, these banned products are still circulating on the black market, evading regulation by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. A study revealed that vapes labeled as 'nicotine-free' contain the toxic 6-methylnicotine, posing health risks. Additional chemicals like benzoic acid were also detected. The authors highlight the compound's high toxicity compared to nicotine and call for further research on its health effects.

September 27, 2024 by archive.md

Experts have raised concerns about banned oral nicotine products freely available at Australian convenience stores, potentially hooking children post the national vape ban. Synthetic nicotine pouches like "VELO" and "Zyn" with high nicotine levels are being sold to minors. Despite warnings and labels, these products, replacing vapes, are easily accessible, with doubts on their safety due to cancer-causing chemicals. The rise of illicit nicotine items exemplifies the failure of bans. Health professionals and ministers emphasize the dangers, acknowledging the underground market's risks and the need for stricter regulation to protect youth from addiction.

September 26, 2024 by colinmendelsohn.com.au

Dr. Colin Mendelsohn points out inaccuracies in the ADA Tasmania's stance on vaping, highlighting vaping's effectiveness in smoking cessation compared to nicotine replacement therapy. He emphasizes that harmful substances in e-cigarettes are minimal and below safety limits. Mendelsohn disputes claims of vaping increasing health risks and youth smoking rates, advocating for an adult consumer model over the current prescription-only system to reduce the black market and provide safer access for adult smokers. His 40 years of experience in smoking cessation inform his recommendation for a regulated, accessible vaping system.

September 26, 2024 by clearingtheair.eu

Australia enforces tough penalties for illegal vape sales, with fines and jail terms for offenders. The nationwide ban on non-pharmacy vape sales has not curbed the black market availability, leading to warnings of prosecutions from Health Minister Mark Butler. The government's initial stricter ban was diluted to allow vape sales in pharmacies under certain conditions. Despite some success in shutting down vape stores, illegal markets persist, prompting calls for a more robust enforcement strategy, involving police and border forces. Shadow Health Minister Anne Ruston criticizes the government for failing to protect youth from the dangers of vaping. Despite challenges, efforts to control illegal vapes are ongoing, including seizures at the border.

September 25, 2024 by medicalrepublic.com.au

From October 1, vapes will be sold over the counter in Australian pharmacies to adults, and to those under 18 with a prescription, in line with new vaping laws. While critics argue this could increase vaping access, proponents emphasize the importance of restricting sales to adults using vapes for smoking cessation. Concerns about potential health risks and impact on youth addiction have been raised by experts, with the Pharmacy Guild opposing the change. The debate includes discussions on how pharmacies will manage counseling and age verification.

September 25, 2024 by medicalrepublic.com.au

From October 1, vapes will be sold over the counter in Australian pharmacies to adults, and to those under 18 with a prescription, in line with new vaping laws. While critics argue this could increase vaping access, proponents emphasize the importance of restricting sales to adults using vapes for smoking cessation. Concerns about potential health risks and impact on youth addiction have been raised by experts, with the Pharmacy Guild opposing the change. The debate includes discussions on how pharmacies will manage counseling and age verification.

September 24, 2024 by rnz.co.nz

Associate Health Minister Casey Costello denies ties with the tobacco industry amid criticisms for reversing smokefree laws and promoting heated tobacco products. Despite controversy, she affirms commitment to Smokefree 2025 but faces skepticism from researchers like Chris Bullen. Bullen doubts the feasibility of meeting the 2025 goal and warns against reversing smokefree laws and introducing new nicotine products without thorough testing. Costello supports making smoking alternatives more accessible but emphasizes the need for robust regulations.

September 24, 2024 by 1news.co.nz

Minister Casey Costello, responsible for smoking policies, spoke at a health forum emphasizing success in reducing smoking rates through vaping, especially among Maori women and youth. She aims to target hardcore smokers aged 45-64 for cessation. Costello supports harm reduction tools like vaping and nicotine patches to achieve Smokefree 2025. Despite criticism for delaying smokefree legislation and tax cuts on heated tobacco, she denied ties with the tobacco industry. Costello discussed combatting the illicit tobacco market in South Auckland.

September 23, 2024 by theguardian.com

Demand for naloxone has doubled due to a rise in synthetic opioids being mixed with other drugs, increasing deaths. The Take Home Naloxone program in Australia distributed 243,248 units in 2023-2024. Users of cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA are urged to carry naloxone after several overdose incidents. Stimulant drug users are now a significant driver in the need for naloxone. The NSW Users and Aids Association saw a triple increase in naloxone orders post-health alert. Pharmacists warn of possible shortages due to high demand. Despite stigma, anyone can carry naloxone as overdoses can happen to anyone. A young adult emphasized the importance of carrying naloxone to save lives.

September 19, 2024 by gfn.tv

New legislation in Australia means that vapes can only be bought in pharmacies, with e-liquid only available in three flavours. What are the likely consequences of this, in a country where the black market for vaping products is already booming?