Risk versus regulation: an update on the state of e‐cigarette control in Australia

Abstract

E‐cigarettes are increasingly common around the world, particularly among youth. Ingestion of nicotine‐containing e‐liquid, while relatively rare, is the major toxicological risk associated with their use. Current Australian regulation has nicotine for use in e‐cigarettes listed as a dangerous poison in Schedule 7, with its supply or sale illegal in all states and territories, while regulation on the sale of e‐cigarettes and accessories varies by state. However, with increasing evidence that e‐cigarettes produce far fewer toxic by‐products than their combustible counterparts perhaps it is time to review this regulation.

E‐cigarette or vaping product use‐associated lung injury ( EVALI ): a cautionary tale

“…respectively. [11][12][13] The 2017 Australian secondary students' alcohol and drug survey found that 13% of students had used an e-cigarette at least once. 14 Of the 2410 students who used an e-cigarette, 48% reported that they had never smoked a traditional tobacco cigarette before using an e-cigarette.…”

“…All rights reserved prescription for personal use. 11 The sale of e-cigarettes to people aged under 18 years is also illegal. 11 In practice, however, a 2015 survey of Australian e-cigarette use found that 90% of users purchased e-cigarettes and liquids from unregulated online stores.…”

“…11 The sale of e-cigarettes to people aged under 18 years is also illegal. 11 In practice, however, a 2015 survey of Australian e-cigarette use found that 90% of users purchased e-cigarettes and liquids from unregulated online stores. 11 Even legal nicotine-free liquids sold in Australia have been found to contain traces of nicotine and other toxic substances, with no regulation of products.…”

“…11 In practice, however, a 2015 survey of Australian e-cigarette use found that 90% of users purchased e-cigarettes and liquids from unregulated online stores. 11 Even legal nicotine-free liquids sold in Australia have been found to contain traces of nicotine and other toxic substances, with no regulation of products. 22 Most Australian e-cigarette users are therefore vulnerable to the possibility of potentially dangerous substances being added to solutions, as has occurred in the US.…”

Nicotine in electronic cigarette fluid: importation pathways to unequal harm

“…Nicotine-containing e-fluids are already classified as a Schedule 7 substance in Australia, which means they are illegal to possess without a prescription from a medical professional. 3 If the proposed bans are enforced, from 1 January 2021, individuals will no longer be allowed to import nicotinecontaining e-fluids for use in e-cigarettes, even if they have a prescription. Only general practitioners or pharmacies with appropriate permits in place will be permitted to import or supply these e-fluids.…”