Here's Why the Australian Government Is Cracking Down on Vaping

Trigger warning: this article discusses addiction.

As of today, importing nicotine vaping products like e-cigarettes, nicotine pods and liquid nicotine into Australia is now illegal, as the government looks to curb a rising trend in vaping, particularly among high schoolers.

What is vaping?

Chances are you already know what vaping is, but a little refresher couldn’t hurt.

As the name suggests, vaping is the act of inhaling vapour from a device like an e-cigarette or some other electronic smoking device.

They are generally battery operated, and internally have cartridges filled with liquids that can contain nicotine, flavours (like fruit) and other chemicals. So, it's likely not good for your health.

The device heats the liquid, turning it into a vapour that the person can then inhale and exhale, much like a cigarette.

It's important to note that though vapes can be fruit flavoured, they're not designed for kids and teens but only for people over the age of 18.

So, can adults still vape under the new laws?

First off, vaping in Australia is not being made illegal. As long as a person's vape doesn’t contain nicotine, or they're an adult with a prescription for a nicotine vape, it's not illegal.

The laws are specifically around importing nicotine vaping products.

If a person has a prescription, they can continue to import these products, but if they're caught red-handed illegally importing nicotine vaping gear, they could cop a massive fine of up to $222,000.

Why did they bring these laws in?

According to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), the popularity of vaping has seen a steady rise in the last few years, particularly among young people.

As per the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, between 2016 and 2019, the proportion of people who had ever used e-cigarettes rose from 9 per cent to 11 per cent.

“We’ve had many reports of schools, in fact, some even Year 7 students, kids who are 11, 12, 13 using high levels of nicotine vapes,” TGA head John Skerritt said.

“The trend is on the up in Australia.”

In the interest of public health and preventing a whole new generation of young people from negatively impacting their health long term, we suspect the ban is in the interest of future prevention.

Is vaping bad for the body?

We definitely advocate talking to your own GP about it, but leading medical bodies and universities around the world are increasingly not in favour of vaping.

“Even though scientists are still learning about e-cigarettes, they do not consider them safe” the Department of Health website states.

“They are sometimes marketed as a way to quit smoking, but there’s not enough evidence to show that they help—or are safe.”

Similarly, Harvard Medical School recommends avoiding vaping until more is known.

“Vaping should be viewed as a “lesser of evils,” the school said.

“There are cases of severe lung disease among people who vape… Until we know more, think twice about vaping.”

Though the jury is still out, what we do all know is that nicotine is addictive and terrible for your lungs.

In my unprofessional opinion—with a degree in absolutely nothing related to medicine—I can't imagine filling your lungs with chemicals is good for them.

If you're struggling with addiction or health issues to speak to a trusted adult and/or GP. 

Are you experiencing suicidal thoughts, sexual assault or domestic and family violence? Seeking to support someone who is? Call Lifeline on 131 114 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.

If you or anyone you know needs help, support is available now. Call Lifeline on 131 114 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800. Visit ReachOut to get support to help you with everything from everyday issues through to tough times.

Header Image: Toan Nguyen via Unsplash