VicHealth has welcomed federal government reforms aimed at protecting future generations from Big Tobacco and the vaping industry.
The reforms announced on May 2, include a range of measures to reduce the damage caused by vaping, including banning the sale of all single use, disposable e-cigarettes.
VicHealth strongly supports the Government’s commitment to:
* Ban the sale of all single use disposable e-cigarettes
* Introducing minimum quality standards on certain flavours, colours and ingredients and reducing allowable nicotine content.
* Raise public awareness about the health impacts of e-cigarettes
* Prohibit advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of e-cigarettes
* Monitor and prevent illegal importation and supply of non-prescription e-cigarettes in Australia.
VicHealth Chief executive Dr Sandro Demaio welcomed the landmark announcement.
“With these groundbreaking reforms, the Australian Government has demonstrated its commitment to prioritising the health and wellbeing of its citizens above the profits of the tobacco and e-cigarette industry,” he said.
“E-cigarettes can contain up to 200 toxic chemicals, including those present in paint stripper and weed killer. These substances can cause cancer and impair brain function. They don’t belong in our lungs.
“We commend Minister Butler for taking action to protect young people from the dangers of e-cigarettes. “
