Read articles from Oceania

April 07, 2025 by rnz.co.nz

Researchers in New Zealand are investigating the long-term health effects of vaping, especially among youth who are increasingly using e-cigarettes. Concerns about the impact on respiratory health and potential diseases are growing, as vaping is relatively new compared to smoking. Studies have found various chemicals and heavy metals in vape aerosols, raising safety questions. Efforts to address vaping addiction include proposing plain, tobacco-flavored vapes to reduce the appeal to young users. New Zealand's upcoming regulations will ban disposable vapes and limit displays in stores, aligning with research efforts to understand the health implications of vaping.

April 02, 2025 by tobaccoreporter.com

Australia implemented new cigarette packaging laws on April 1, requiring health warnings on each cigarette. Canada is the only other country with similar regulations. The laws also introduced 10 graphic health warnings and inserts promoting smoking cessation. Cancer Council's Sarah Durkin noted the warnings initially raised awareness but effectiveness declined over time. New warnings address lesser-known risks like diabetes and DNA damage from smoking, as well as secondhand smoke effects on children's lung capacity.

April 01, 2025 by dailymail.co.uk

Australia implements starker warnings on cigarette packets and individual cigarettes, following Canada's example, aiming to reduce smoking rates. Changes include banning menthol cigarettes, introducing graphic health warnings, and health promotion inserts to raise awareness about lesser-known smoking-related health risks. The initiative, also aimed at curbing the black market, includes messages like 'CAUSES 16 CANCERS' on individual cigarettes. The government's budget reflects a projected decrease in tobacco excise revenues due to anticipated shifts towards illicit tobacco or vapes, prompting increased funding for enforcement.

April 01, 2025 by rnz.co.nz

Tobacco excise tax in New Zealand has increased over the years, leading to a rise in prices and a decline in legal consumption. Revenue dropped while seizures of illegal cigarettes at the border increased. High prices may be driving consumers to the black market. Vaping is seen as a more accessible and affordable alternative. Tax has been effective in reducing smoking rates but is becoming burdensome for low-income households. Strategies to make safer alternatives like vaping more affordable are crucial. The impact of high taxes on the smoking population and illicit tobacco consumption needs continued evaluation to balance public health goals with social consequences.

March 25, 2025 by 9news.com.au

Although illegal in Australia, nicotine pouches remain popular among young Australians, leading to recent seizures by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. Marketed as a cleaner alternative to smoking, these pouches contain nicotine and flavors but lack tobacco. Safety concerns arise from inconsistent nicotine levels and unregulated ingredients. Side effects include addiction, mouth issues, and potential harm to brain development. While banned for sale, some individuals import them with a prescription. Nicotine pouches' efficacy as a smoking cessation aid is inconclusive compared to other nicotine replacement therapies. More research is needed to assess their safety and effectiveness.

March 21, 2025 by theconversation.com

E-cigarette companies like British American Tobacco lobbied to loosen vape regulations in NZ and Australia. They argue vaping is replacing smoking based on a 2020 study. However, a new study found vaping slowed the decline in youth smoking rates since 2010. The 2020 study didn't consider this and influenced policy decisions. Research suggests vaping may lead to smoking uptake in NZ adolescents, emphasizing the need for comprehensive policies addressing both vaping and smoking. Policymakers globally should be cautious of unintended consequences on youth when crafting regulations around vaping products for adults.

March 17, 2025 by pulsetasmania.com.au

Tasmania is the first Australian state to ban over-the-counter vape sales, requiring prescriptions for those over 18 under the new Public Health Amendment (Vaping) Bill 2024. This move surpasses federal regulations and aims to protect youth from the dangers of vaping. The decision has been praised by officials and health organizations for its focus on public health and reducing smoking-related harm. Cancer Council Tasmania emphasizes the importance of preventing smoking and vaping uptake to combat health risks effectively.

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 17, 2025 by theconversation.com

The smokefree generation law in New Zealand aimed to end tobacco sales to those born after a specific date to phase out smoking. The law had strong support but was repealed by the government. Different approaches, including a nicotine-free generation policy, are being considered globally, while NZ lags. Young vapers see benefits in a nicotine-free policy, as they struggle to quit due to easy access and marketing. They prefer regulation to protect them from vaping. Some worry about enforcement challenges. Discussions are needed on adopting progressive smokefree policies recognizing the impact of the changing nicotine market on youth wellbeing. Reducing vaping's availability and appeal is crucial for future policy.