Biggest smoking reforms in a decade, but will they work?

Biggest smoking reforms in a decade, but will they work?

Australia will ban non-prescription vapes in the biggest smoking reforms in a decade. An RMIT expert welcomes the change, saying vapes are not the “safe alternative” people think they are.

Professor Oliver Jones, Professor of Chemistry, School of Science

Topics: vaping, smoking, cigarettes, reforms

"Today’s announcement is a welcome move by the government. The current approach to non-prescription vaping and e-cigarette use isn’t really working.

“Imposing minimum quality standards and making vapes pharmacy only won’t solve the problem, but these measures will at least help people be assured of the content of the products they buy – as long as the rules are enforced.

“While vaping and e-cigarettes can have a role in supporting smokers who are trying to quit, these products are not a “safe alternative” to traditional cigarettes (although people often see them that way). We need to keep this in mind for policy and regulation.

“Users often don’t know what their vapes contain. For example, while so-called “non-nicotine” vaping products aren’t supposed to contain nicotine, there are many cases of products being falsely labelled as “nicotine-free” or simply not listing nicotine in the ingredients – even when it is present.

“Vapes on the market have also been found to contain all sorts of other potentially harmful chemicals that were not listed on the label.

“One thing is clear: no vaping equipment has any place in schools or being marketed to children.

“While there may be potential unintended effects of this decision – for example, restricting vaping might drive people back to traditional cigarettes – I think these are unlikely.”

Oliver Jones is a Professor of Chemistry and internationally recognised expert in analytical science. He is passionate about using science to keep our environment safe.

***

General media enquiries: RMIT Communications, 0439 704 077 or news@rmit.edu.au

02 May 2023

Share

02 May 2023

Share

Engage

Related News

safety-health-innovation-network-thumbnail-1220x732-updated.jpg

Transforming construction health and safety with SHINe

RMIT has launched the Safety and Health Innovation Network (SHINe), an industry-led collaborative research funding model to identify and tackle problems across the construction industry.

magdelena-and-co-1220px.jpg

Gold beats platinum for chemo drugs in new lab study

Gold-based drugs can slow tumour growth in animals by 82% and target cancers more selectively than standard chemotherapy drugs, according to new research out of RMIT University.

news-aroma-intensity-1220px.jpg

Confinement may affect how we smell and feel about food

New research from RMIT University found confined and isolating environments changed the way people smelled and responded emotionally to certain food aromas.

New partnership with Cisco and Grampians Health to upskill healthcare sector

RMIT’s Health Transformation Lab and College of Vocational Education are piloting a program to rapidly upskill front-line staff, broader health workforce and IT professionals in the healthcare sector to meet the industry’s emerging skills needs.

Show more
aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

More information