Read articles from Oceania

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 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 ama.com.au

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

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

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

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

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.