Richmond Police District reported yesterday on social media a recent increase of reported incidents of young people using vaping devices or E-cigarettes and are seeking to highlight the laws and potential health risks so parents and the wider community are aware.

Electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes are battery operated devices that heat a liquid (also known as e-liquid) to produce a vapour that users inhale. E-cigarettes may be shaped and colored to make them look like cigarettes or other tobacco products like cigars, sometimes they look like everyday items such as pens or USB memory sticks. When using an e-cigarette, the user inhales and exhales the vapour from the heated e-liquid. E-liquid contains a range of chemicals and it may or may not contain nicotine.

Are e-cigarettes legal in NSW?

E-cigarettes that do not contain nicotine are legal in NSW. Adults can buy and use e-cigarettes that do not contain nicotine. It is an offence however to sell or supply tobacco or non-tobacco smoking products to a person who is under the age of 18 years. In NSW the sale of e-cigarettes that contain nicotine is illegal. E-cigarettes containg nicotine are available to buy online from overseas suppliers. Australian laws are currently under review.

Lismore's Super Vape Store on Molesworth Street opened back in February this year. Financial Officer for Super Vape Store Australia Miriam O'Hare told the Lismore App “we are excited for the new nicotine regulations to come into force. Australia is 10 years behind Europe and America, with nicotine being regulated it will be more readily available. People will be able to go to their doctors and get a prescription for their needs for the correct dosage they require. This will also make it harder for the underaged children to obtain nicotine."

Ms O'Hare added that “Vaping is still in its infancy here in Australia, So you will see lots more vape stores open, also tobacconists will be 50% vape 50% tobacco. The most concerning problem we have is Disposable Nicotine vapes."

She went on to explain that disposable nicotine vapes “are being sold all around Australia, from corner shops, tobacconists, even without proof of age checks. These should be banned. This is what is giving vaping a bad name. They have high strength nicotine."

She added "The UK have done more research than Australia and they have proven E Cigs to be 95% less harmful than tobacco."

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/e-cigarettes-around-95-less-harmful-than-tobacco-estimates-landmark-review

Ms O'Hare concluded that “Obviously we should only be breathing in fresh air into our lungs. But if you don't smoke you shouldn't vape. However, if you are a smoker who can't quit you will dramatically reduce your risk of dying from cancer, heart and lung disease if you switch to vaping."

NSW Health’s position on e-cigarettes is aligned with the National Health and Medical Research Council which offers three key messages -

1. There is not enough evidence to support e-cigarettes as a product to assist smokers to quit. Smokers who would like to quit should consult their doctors or call the Quitline.

2. E-cigarettes may expose users to chemicals and toxins that are harmful to health.

3. Health authorities should act to minimise harm to users and bystanders until evidence of safety, quality and efficacy can be produced.

Local high schools have also expressed concern recently about increased reports of students seen vaping. At least one school has contacted parents with a letter offering information and resources from DARTA - Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia. http://darta.net.au/

The school said that the devices are small and can be easily hidden in a pocket or bag. The most popular disposable vapes resemble a large USB stick or highlighter pen.

Local police also refer to support and information at

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/tobacco/Pages/e-cigarettes.aspx