The Queensland Parliamentary Inquiry to get to the truth about E-Cigarettes and Vaping
It has recently been announced in Queensland by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, that a Parliamentary Inquiry will occur to investigate the use of vaping devices In Queensland and to better understand the health risks associated with e-cigarettes.
The parliament’s Health and Environment Committee will conduct the Inquiry and their focus will be on investigating vaping use among young Queenslanders and what current measures are being undertaken in schools to band and discourage the habit.
Vaping has become a new trend and phenomenon. As a result of its rapid growth, there is not enough known about the long-term health risks associated with e-cigarettes to the individual and community.
There are many vaping products on the market, that are marketed as ‘nicotine free’, however unfortunately this is not always the case. E-cigarettes can contain other dangerous chemicals such as:
1. Acetone found in nail polish remover;
2. Carcinogens such as acetaldehyde and formaldehyde;
3. Diacetyl found in nicotine;
4. Propylene glycol which is a common product used to make things like paint solvent, and artificial smoke in fog machines;
5. Acrolein a herbicide primarily used to kill weeds;
6. Heavy metals such as nickel and led;
7. Cadmium a toxic metal found in traditional cigarettes; and
8. Benzene found in car exhaust, that is used to make rubbers, dyes and detergents.
The major issues the Health and Environment Committee will examine and draft a report on, is reducing the rate of e-cigarette use in Queensland, as follows:
1. The current status in Queensland relating to the:
a. prevalence of e-cigarette use, particularly amongst children and young people;
b. risks of vaping harmful chemicals, including nicotine, to individuals, communities, and the health system; and
c. approaches being taken in Queensland schools and other settings relevant to children and young people to discourage uptake and use of e-cigarettes.
2. Opportunities to increase:
a. awareness of the harmful effects of e-cigarette use (with and without nicotine) to an individual’s health, and the effectiveness of preventative activities; and
b. accessibility and effectiveness of services and programs to prevent uptake and continuing use of e-cigarettes.
3. Consideration of waste management and environmental impacts of e-cigarette products.
4. A jurisdictional analysis of other e-cigarette use inquiries, legislative frameworks, policies and preventative activities (including their effectiveness in reducing e cigarette use).
5. actions and measures that can be taken to discourage the habit.
The Health and Environment Committee is due to table their report on Thursday, 31 August 2023. Once the Committee’s report has been tabled, the Government has three months to respond to any report recommendations.
Written by Tully Law
Published on Wednesday August 23, 2023