Vaping: The Issue Dividing Opinion
The latest news from Cafestudy
Posted by: Caféstudy
31st Jul 2024 04:28pm
Our Caféstudy members have recently expressed their thoughts around the complex and often divisive nature of vaping regulations in Australia. With recent changes to laws and ongoing debates about health impacts, many Australians are grappling with their stance on this contentious issue.
The Australian government's approach to vaping has been a source of frustration for many. Some feel that the focus on vaping is misplaced when compared to the known dangers of traditional tobacco products.
"The government is attacking the wrong issue. They should be concentrating on cigarettes not vapes."
"The government has got this all wrong. Vaping is a safer alternative to smoking."
However, opinions on the matter are far from unanimous. Some members expressed concern about the potential health risks associated with vaping, particularly for young people.
"I think vaping should be banned completely. It's just as addictive as cigarettes and the long term effects are unknown."
"Vaping is not harmless. It's still putting chemicals into your lungs."
The accessibility of vaping products and their role in smoking cessation are major points of contention. While some view vaping as a valuable tool for quitting smoking, others worry about creating a new generation of nicotine addicts.
The recent changes to vaping laws have ignited a heated debate about the balance between personal freedom and government regulation. Many members expressed frustration with what they perceive as government overreach, arguing that individuals should have the right to make their own choices about vaping. This sentiment reflects a broader concern about the extent of government intervention in personal health decisions, with some members strongly asserting their right to bodily autonomy and freedom of choice in matters of consumption.
"The government shouldn't be telling people what they can and can't do."
These insights reveal a nation grappling with a complex issue that intersects health, policy, and personal freedom. As the debate continues, it's clear that finding a balanced approach to vaping regulation remains a significant challenge for Australian policymakers.
As of the 1st of October 2024, Aussies 18+ will be able to purchase nicotine vapes directly from a pharmacy without a prescription. Those <18 years of age will require a doctor's prescription to access vapes, where state and territory laws allow it, to ensure they get appropriate medical advice and supervision (Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, 2024).
What are your thoughts on vaping regulations in Australia? Do you think the current approach is appropriate, or should it be changed?
References:
Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care (2024) Vaping – the facts, Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. Available at: https://www.health.gov.au/vaping/facts (Accessed: 02 August 2024).
Comments 12
jenny3266
You think vaping should be banned and ciggies allowed?
Walk a day in my shoes at work
Why?
Well I work in Oncology (Cancer) and I couldn't begin to tell you just how many people I've treated for cigarette related diseases over the years
You'd think I should have known better but I was a smoker for many years and not only couldn't I quit I really didn't want to I enjoyed too much
Vaping had me tossing the ciggies in the bin within 1 hour Yes 1 hour
I still have the enjoyment of "smoking" but my health is a hundred times better
say_wot
I'm completely in favour of banning vaping.
It's an efficient way to ingest nicotine and whatever chemicals are in the oils that are heated to produce the 'vapour'.
There might be an argument to stiffen penalties for procuring these products for minors.
But ban the practice - I'm reluctant to pay for the health care of people damaged by vaping
say_wot
I'm completely in favour of banning vaping.
It's an efficient way to ingest nicotine and whatever chemicals are in the oils that are heated to produce the 'vapour'.
There might be an argument to stiffen penalties for procuring these products for minors.
But ban the practice - I'm reluctant to pay for the health care of people damaged by vaping
ab
I think the regulations are weak… in essence, they are saying ‘if you’re over 18, suck back as much nicotine as you like provided you buy it from a chemist. If you’re under 18 get your nicotine from an older friend or relative to buy it for you.’
Do you think the current approach is appropriate, or should it be changed?
I’m not sure what is being asked here… is ‘the current approach appropriate,’ appropriate for what? I’ll try to answer for both options.
Yes, it’s appropriate if the Govt aims to look like they're doing something but achieve nothing – ie ensure nicotine is freely available in this new packaging (vapes)
No, it’s not appropriate if the Govt wants to reduce/stop the nicotine addiction.
Should it be changed?
If the Govt really wants to stop young people getting their hands on nicotine loaded vapes…yes, they need to be changed, or their sale need to be closely monitored in the same way that chemists monitor the sale of medicines containing Pseudoephedrine.
Nicotine, is a dangerous, highly addictive chemical, that has both immediate and long-term effects on your body. They include:
1. Short-Term Effects:
o Increased Alertness: Nicotine boosts alertness and memory temporarily.
o Heightened Mood: It can briefly enhance feelings of pleasure and concentration.
o Physical Symptoms: These include increased heart rate, blood pressure, and production of saliva and phlegm. You might also experience nausea, sweating, and diarrhea.
2. Long-Term Effects:
o Brain: Nicotine can alter brain chemistry and is linked to an increased risk of psychiatric disorders like depression and bipolar disorder.
o Skin: Nicotine constricts blood vessels, potentially causing premature aging and wrinkles.
o Heart: It increases heart rate, narrows arteries, and raises the risk of heart attacks.
o Lungs: Smoking or vaping limits lung capacity over time, leading to conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
3. Tolerance and Addiction:
o Regular nicotine use leads to tolerance, where you crave more to maintain the desired effect.
o Withdrawal symptoms can be intense if cravings aren’t met.
Caperteewaratah
The Government have missed the boat on vaping, as it should not have been allowed to take hold in Australia at all.
The unknown long term effects of it are an issue.
The immediate health effects are seen in its use - young people are taking it up due to its availability and maybe more affordable cost versus smoking cigarettes. Its possibly "popular" among young people, who are easily influenced by fads, and willingness to try something new.
My alarm bells rang when I saw the devices used for it. And the first case of a death due to it confirmed that, due to a lung infection.
The devices are repositories of germs and bacteria due to being used orally and not being washed after each use. Therefore a great place for "bugs" to grow and multiply. The user then vapes again and inhales bacteria, opening the avenue to be able to contract a respiratory disease, which could lead to death eg - pneumonia - a serious infection of the lung tissue, among others.
I was shocked to hear a politician support the use of vapes - supposedly with the aim of quitting smoking. This is a nonsense - the only way to stop smoking is don't buy them so you can't smoke them, and there is help available at the QUIT smoking a government supported organisation who have helped many people to stop smoking and prevent others taking it up with education.
To me, as a health professional - vapes are filthy, and apart from the above, the chemicals inhaled may cause other respiratory diseases. Inhaling anything other than fresh air, can cause serious illness and death. Anyone claiming otherwise, is not being honest.
Fiona_13
Yes, especially sick of those who don't care or think it's okay to 'quickly' vape on public transport platforms or walking between replacement buses services. And others get a lung full of random chemicals... I won't argue for laws to outright ban it if you really want to harm yourself but please don't make others breathe it in, whether we have our own health issues or not.
mal1963
Vaping has no benefits to anyone more harmful than ciggies should be banned.
hispania
"The government shouldn't be telling people what they can and cannot do":
Response;
The government tells us what to do every day - pay our taxes, drive on the left side of the road, don't start building noise before 7 am, wear a seat belt, obey the speed limit, pay our speeding fines, don't use hate speech, give way to the right, don't drive without a licence, vote, send our children to school, don't enter a polygamous marriage etc etc. We vote in a government and they do what they think is right for the safety and well-being of the country. Vaping is something the government should be looking at because it should be controlling the vaping industry at least even if it doesn't ban consumers from vaping. If it is looking at sugar contrent of foods and drinks for our health then it should be looking at vape ingredients.
chickenman
ironic that the govt. wants to stop people from smoking cigarettes then jumps into allowing vapes that are worse than cigarettes. at least people knows what is in tobacco, vapes contain whatever the manufacturer wants to put into them.
JDB
Vaping should be banned it is just another addictive product with many side affect's. The government should help the people that can"t give up these bad habits more. I am a ex- smoker so I know it is hard to give up nicotine.
no name
Vaping involves inhaling chemicals created in laboratories. They are recognised as being harmful to health. Vaping seems to be particularly aimed at younger people ( flavours and colours) who may be less well informed or seeking group approval. I think vaping should be banned in public places and near small children.
Brooke3263
Yeah