Dire warnings on danger of vaping

WORLD-LEADING Tasmanian tobacco researchers say they are concerned with the alarming growth and popularity of vaping in younger generations.

After last week releasing the results of the first global study that proved new heated tobacco devices, e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes were equally as damaging for human lung cells, University of Tasmania Launceston-based scientists said flavoured vaping gadgets were being used to attract younger users.

The University’s Respiratory Translational Research Group head Sukhwinder Sohal said nicotine was as addictive as heroin and other drugs.

He said manufacturers were placing colourful labels with attractive flavours such as rhubarb and custard, cherry, butterscotch and cola on e-liquids to lure new users and maintain nicotine addictions.

“They are marketing these products with all these flavours so the young kids get to it,” Dr Sohal said.

“Once hooked, most young e-cigarette users will become addicted to nicotine and longterm users. How are we going to sort that out?”

Dr Sohal said Tasmania already had high smoking rates, particularly in lower socioeconomic areas.

“These new electronic devices are promoted as less toxic and safer compared to tra- ditional tobacco smoke, but they are equally damaging,” he said.

“We also have high rates of obese smokers in Tasmania, who are quickly shifting from traditional tobacco cigarettes to these new devices and are unaware of the equally damaging effects.

“And I’ve got reports from colleges in Tasmania from some teachers that they are finding hard to fight the kids who are using these gadgets already in Tasmania.”

Tasmanian Principals Association president Sally Milbourne said she couldn’t comment specifically as she hadn’t heard any reports of vaping in Tasmanian schools.

Another teacher at a school in Hobart said he also hadn’t heard of any incidents.

“All schools are smoke free, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen,” Ms Milbourne said.

“Schools use a range of reactive measures to deal with students caught smoking that is underpinned by a restorative process of educating them on the dangers.”

She said all students were taught about the risks of alcohol and other drugs at an age appropriate level as part of the Health and Physical Education personal, social and community health curriculum.

Cancer Council Tasmania chief executive Penny Egan said evidence showed there may be no safe smoking alternatives.