There is a growing concern about the number of young people trying and taking up vaping chemically flavoured e-cigarettes. E-cigarettes are battery-operated devices that allow the user to inhale nicotine or other chemicals in a vapour form (known as vaping). The liquids used in e-cigarettes can contain nicotine, but also flavourings and harmful substances such as heavy metals, volatile organic compounds and cancer-causing chemicals.
Many of these young people are unaware of the chemicals in the e-liquids and what those chemicals do to a human body. Patients identified in the United States reported experiencing respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath or che
st pain) and some have reported gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea). Some patients also reported non-specific symptoms such as fatigue, fever or weight loss. They all had a history of e-cigarette product use within the past 90 days.
A study, supported by Lung Foundation Australia and Minderoo Foundation, completed a comprehensive examination of the composition and toxicity of e-liquids supplied or manufactured in Australia and has confirmed serious concerns about their safety and respiratory health impacts. E-liquids are commonly available in Australia as a consumer product. It is illegal to sell e- liquids that contain nicotine in Australia, but due to importation loopholes, they can be easily purchased online.
Researchers from Curtin University and the Telethon Kids Institute tested the ingredients and toxicity of 52 e-liquids for sale over the counter in Australia, in both their original and vaped (heated) form. They found:
- 100 per cent of e-liquids had between 1 to 18 chemicals which have unknown effects on respiratory health
- None of the brands had a complete accurate ingredient list, which would be noncompliant with European Union labelling regulations
- 21 per cent of e-liquids contained nicotine or nicotyrine (despite it being illegal to sell e-liquids containing nicotine in all Australian states and territories)
- 62 per cent of new e-liquids and 65 per cent of vaped e-liquids contained chemicals likely to be toxic if vaped repeatedly.
“More and more young Australians are trying and taking up vaping chemically flavoured e-cigarettes. Yet, it is clear from this study, that these young Australians are unaware of the chemicals in the e-liquids and what those chemicals do to a human body,” Mr Brooke said.
“Consumers must be informed about ingredients and short-and-long term health impacts, and unknowns. Just because a chemical may be safe to use in a disinfectant or as a food preservative, doesn’t mean it is safe to inhale into your lungs. This study clearly demonstrates that we cannot take safety in consumer products as a given and Governments need to intervene urgently to protect the respiratory health of young Australians.”
“We already know that e-cigarettes can increase the chance of a non-smoker taking up cigarettes and that they are deliberately targeted to appeal to young people,” Dr Burnell said.
“Now we find that e-cigarette users are being exposed to unknown ingredients and chemicals already known to be toxic to human health.
Lead researcher, Associate Professor Ben Mullins from Curtin University’s School of Public Health said the e-liquids tested contained multiple chemicals that were not listed on the labels.
“While some of these chemicals may be safe and approved food additives, it has frequently been shown that there is a vast difference between a chemical that is safe to ingest and one which is safe to inhale long-term,” Associate Professor Mullins said.
“Many such chemicals are harmless when ingested but could cause significant negative health effects if inhaled long term.”
Despite a decrease in the prevalence of smoking across Australia, the most recent Australian National Drug Strategy Household Survey revealed an increase in the use of e-cigarettes (both nicotine and flavoured) by Australians:
- Aged 14-19 – lifetime use rose from 12.6% in 2016 to 14.5% in 2019
- Aged 18–24 – lifetime use rose from 19.2% in 2016 to 26% in 2019
- Aged 25–29 – lifetime use rose from 14.8% in 2016 to 20% in 2019.
The World Health Organisation estimates young people who use e-cigarettes are more than twice as likely to smoke tobacco cigarettes later in life.
Sources:
https://www.health.gov.au/news/e-cigarettes-linked-to-severe-lung-illness
https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/ba...
Penola Catholic College
Students found in possession, using or in the company of other students vaping, will be issued with consequences as per our Behaviour Management Policy.
Parents who are concerned about their child’s use of e-cigarettes is encouraged to contact their child’s Year Level Coordinators or College Counsellor.
Mrs Angela Xidias
Coordinator of Students