Category: People and Culture

Published June 2024

The number of 18-to-24-year-olds who vape daily has skyrocketed from 5 per cent in 2019 to 21 per cent in 2024, while 7 per cent of adults vape daily, a nearly three-fold increase since 2019.

Vaping products can contain over 200 chemicals, including cancer-causing carcinogens.

Additionally, vapes with nicotine, especially in high doses, are detrimental to brain development. A single vape can have as much nicotine as 10 packets of cigarettes.

Action

Previous tobacco research has shown that the proximity of tobacco retailers to schools or homes can influence smoking behaviours, and similar relationships have been reported for e-cigarettes.

University of Notre Dame applied statistician Matthew Tuson was lead author of a recent study into vaping in Western Australia.

Epidemic

“We decided to undertake research to contribute to the movement counteracting the vaping epidemic in Australia, which is a big problem facing students, parents, teachers, and communities,” Dr Tuson said.

“We are all members of these communities, and some of us are parents.”

The study reveals that nine in ten vape shops were less than one kilometre from schools. For example, St Patrick’s Primary School in Fremantle had two vape stores within 200 metres.

The study identified that there is no public registry of vape stores in WA, unlike tobacco retailers, who have to be licensed.

The identification of 159 vape stores in Perth represents an increase of over 120 per cent in just under 3.5 years. 

This is despite it currently being illegal in WA under the Tobacco Products Control Act 2006 (WA) to sell any food, toy, or other product that is not a tobacco product but is designed to resemble a tobacco product or package.

In May 2022, the WA Department of Health publicly stated it had “put 3,000 retailers on notice reminding them of the ongoing restrictions regarding the sale of e-cigarette devices and vaporiser nicotine products under WA’s Tobacco Products Control Act 2006 and Medicines and Poisons Act 2014.”

In June 2023, in response to a question on notice, WA Minister for Police Paul Papalia confirmed that, between 2019 and May 17, 2023, only 12 individuals and/or entities were successfully prosecuted for “offences relating to the sale, supply or possession of e-cigarette devices and/or their components or vaping products containing nicotine”.

The findings also indicate that the overall availability of e-cigarette products and the rise in vaping prevalence in WA and Australia more broadly is underestimated, partly driven by the online market and sales facilitated by social media.

To curb access to non-prescription vaping products, proposed legislative reforms in Australia must prioritise visible enforcement to deter retailers and suppliers outside the pharmacy sector.

Keep Smoking History

Cancer Council WA Make Smoking History manager Libby Jardine says there have been positive steps towards preventing children from living in close proximity to vaping shops.

“The good news is that this year the Federal government has commenced a suite of reforms to reduce children and young people’s access to e-cigarettes (vapes). A national approach will ensure consistency in compliance and enforcement,” Ms Jardine said.

“The Vaping Reforms Bill 2024 is currently before the Australian Senate and will be voted on this month. The Bill aims to address the growing risk posed by vaping, particularly to children and young people.”

The aim is to end the supply of vapes entering the market.

“If passed, the Bill will put an end date on the import, manufacture, supply, and commercial possession of non-therapeutic disposable vapes in Australia (regardless of nicotine content). This means vape stores are on notice – they will likely have to close or change their business model entirely. 

“It is important to note that many businesses have been operating illegally as it has never been legal in Australia to sell nicotine vaping products in the general retail market.”

Smokers relying on vapes medically will still have access to clinically appropriate vapes, Ms Jardine said.

“The Bill will preserve legitimate access to therapeutic vapes where clinically appropriate, and pharmacists and medical/nurse practitioners will be able to supply therapeutic vapes for smoking cessation or to manage nicotine dependence.

“The WA Government has a critical role to play in this regard. If passed, the Bill enhances the compliance and enforcement powers of state officers and facilitates information sharing with the states.”

For any queries, please get in touch.

Published June 2024

VINCENT council’s Fresh Air – You’re Welcome project has successfully established popular smoke-free and vape-free zones around the city, allowing residents and visitors to savour the crisp, fresh winter air without a cloud of smoke in sight.

Aligned with the council’s Public Health Plan 2020-2025, the “Fresh Air – You’re Welcome” project aims to eliminate the health risks associated with smoking and vaping while enhancing the overall quality of life for residents.

Vincent mayor Alison Xamon said it was a significant initiative.

“Our Fresh Air – You’re Welcome project, launched in November 2022, transformed North Perth, Mt Hawthorn, Leederville, William Street, and Beaufort Street town centres into permanently smoke and vape-free zones,” Ms Xamon said.

The smoke-free zones were realised three years ahead of schedule, underscoring the city’s commitment to public health leadership and advocacy.

In 2015/16 the National Drug Research Institute at Curtin University estimated the cost of smoking was around 20,000 deaths across the country and more than $136 billion spent annually on treatment and lost productivity. 

Recent research indicates that the surge in vaping across Australia is projected to impose an additional $180 million burden on the health system annually, a figure that is considered conservative.

Fresh Air

Fresh Air – You’re welcome has garnered widespread support, with 88 per cent of residents backing the initiative as of December 2023. 

“Many community members have highlighted that the project is a good idea and great for families and children,” Ms Xamon said.

“Some comments included increased enjoyment of the town centres and an enhanced feeling of safety regarding their own health.”

The smoke and vape-free zones extend beyond just town centres, encompassing outdoor dining areas, playgrounds, childcare centres, and building entrances, ensuring comprehensive protection from second-hand smoke and vaping aerosols. 

Clear signage and ongoing public education campaigns play a crucial role in promoting compliance and awareness. 

“Education and awareness are our primary approaches,” Ms Xamon said.

“We utilise online campaigns, pop-up events, workshops, and signage in various languages to inform the public.” 

Fines under the Local Government Property Local Law 2021, are considered a last resort, with a focus on safety and promoting compliance. 

The initiative also addresses environmental concerns by reducing litter from cigarette butts and vape cartridges. 

Creating smoke-free and vape-free town centres benefits the entire community, from improved health and wellbeing to less litter and positive role modelling for young people,” Ms Xamon said. 

Business

In addition to health and environmental benefits, she believes the project supports local businesses. 

Contrary to fears of negative economic impacts, existing Australian and international literature shows that smoke-free legislation does not result in venue closures or revenue loss. 

“We are working closely with local businesses to manage the transition of footpath areas directly outside venues becoming smoke-free and vape-free,”  Ms Xamon said.

Vincent’s efforts are part of a broader national movement to reduce smoking and vaping rates. 

The initiative aligns with federal and state tobacco control legislation and frameworks and complements national campaigns, such as the Vaping Reforms Bill 2024, currently before the Australian Senate, which aims to end the import, manufacture, supply, and commercial possession of non-therapeutic disposable vapes in Australia.

Optimistic

Ms Xamon is optimistic about the future and success of the city’s initiative and said the next steps included more education campaigns in hotspots and working further with local businesses.

“We are committed to protecting our community from the harms of smoking and vaping and ensuring a healthier environment for everyone.”

Other cities that have implemented similar projects Melbourne, Hobart, North Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth.

Residents interested in learning more about the smoke-free and vape-free zones in the City of Vincent, including maps and existing restrictions, can visit the WA Department of Health website or the City’s Smoke and Vape-Free Businesses webpage. 

Community members seeking support to quit smoking or vaping are encouraged to explore resources available on the Make Smoking History website.

They can also urge the WA Health Department to investigate smoke and vape areas by emailing: mail@hadsco.wa.gov.au

For any queries, please get in touch.

Published: June 2024

As Perth commuters grapple with the surge of vaping on public transport, it feels like a déjà vu, says JENS KIRSCH. Do you remember when smoking was anywhere and everywhere? The battle has shifted, but the strategies remain eerily similar.

On Perth’s public transport, a lifeline for thousands, the battle against vaping is being fought with creativity and a touch of humour.

Transperth has launched inventive anti-vaping campaigns featuring quirky posters of watermelons and pineapples vaping, designed to catch the eye and convey a serious message. 

These colourful characters are depicted in humorous scenarios that emphasise the absurdity of vaping in public. 

Public Transport Authority spokesman David Hynes says the aim is to stand out while encouraging behavioural change and offering support for people struggling with addiction.

Public transport in Perth is heavily utilised, making it a prime battleground for such campaigns.

In 2021, 23.1 per cent of City of Perth residents used public transport to commute, compared to 8.4 per cent in greater Perth. 

During peak hour (7.20 am to 8:20 am), almost 63,000 people board public transport, equivalent to 52,450 carloads of people. 

In April 2024 alone, there were over 11.9 million boardings on trains, buses, and ferries. 

Despite these efforts, the challenge remains significant. 

“Vaping, like smoking, is banned on Transperth buses, trains, ferries, and at all stations,” Mr Hynes said.

“Doing so can incur an on-the-spot fine of $100 and a maximum penalty of $500.”

Statistics show a worrying trend: from 508 incidents in 2021-22, the number of people caught smoking (including vaping) on trains surged to 871 in 2022-23.

However, public reaction to Transperth’s ads has been overwhelmingly positive, with comments on social media praising their blend of fairness and humour.

“It’s the perfect combination of fair and passive-aggressive. I love it!” one traveller remarked.

Another noted: “Honestly, I love how many of Transperth’s ads are just slightly unhinged.”

The rise in vaping is alarming: daily use among 18-to-24-year-olds surged from 5 per cent in 2019 to 21 per cent in 2024, while among adults, it has nearly tripled to 7 per cent since 2019.

History lessons

This modern-day battle against vaping on public transport is reminiscent of the historical struggles against smoking. 

In 1969, a staggering 36 per cent of adults smoked daily, thanks to relentless advertising from tobacco companies. 

The health consequences are still felt today, with tobacco-induced diseases remaining a significant public health issue.

Fast forward to 1978, when the Commonwealth government and the NSW health department took a bold step with the “Quit for Life” campaign in northern NSW. 

The campaign’s memorable ads, combined with counselling and medical support, provided a successful blueprint for helping smokers quit. 

Many of us will remember this success leading to the rollout of Quit-branded campaigns across various Australian states in the early ‘80s, transforming smoking from a social norm to a frowned-upon habit.

While the battleground has shifted from cigarettes to e-cigarettes, the strategies against vaping today draw significant parallels with historical anti-smoking efforts.

Compelling

Both campaigns hinge on compelling public health messaging, utilising memorable advertisements to inform and educate the public about the dangers of nicotine addiction.

In the past, cigarette advertisements glamourised smoking, portraying it as sophisticated or rugged. 

Today, vaping products often lure users with a variety of flavours and sleek designs, presenting a different but equally potent allure. 

This shift necessitates nuanced messaging strategies to counteract the appeal of vaping among young people, just as historical campaigns tackled the glamourisation of smoking.

Moreover, both anti-smoking and anti-vaping campaigns target youth initiation fervently. 

Historical data revealed how tobacco companies strategically targeted young audiences, much like authorities’ efforts today to prevent adolescents from picking up e-cigarettes. 

The goal remains the same: to disrupt the cycle of nicotine addiction before it takes hold.

Government and health organisation support have been pivotal in both contexts. 

The backing of influential bodies like the Australian Medical Association underscores the gravity of the vaping epidemic among youth today, mirroring the support garnered during the anti-smoking movements of the past.

Yet, there are notable differences. 

Unlike the comprehensive regulatory frameworks developed over decades for tobacco, vaping regulations are still evolving. 

The perception of harm also differs; while smoking’s health risks are well-established, vaping’s long-term effects are still being studied. 

This disparity challenges current campaigns to communicate effectively the emerging evidence of vaping’s dangers.

Media

Media channels represent another stark contrast. 

While historical anti-smoking campaigns primarily used television and radio, modern anti-vaping campaigns leverage social media and digital platforms to reach a younger, more tech-savvy audience. 

This shift in communication strategies reflects the evolving landscape of media consumption and the importance of targeted messaging in today’s digital age.

For those seeking support to quit vaping, resources like the Australian Government’s “Give Up for Good” initiative offer valuable assistance. Visit http://www.health.gov.au/give-up-for-good/vaping for more information and resources.

By learning from the successes of historical anti-smoking campaigns, today’s efforts to curb vaping can be more effective. Just as smoking has become increasingly rare and socially unacceptable, one can hope to achieve the same with vaping through innovative and persistent public health campaigns – even through colourful watermelons.

For any queries, please get in touch.