poledriver
Bluelighter
- Joined
- Jul 21, 2005
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Aus - Stub out the e-cigarettes, Baird told: They may not be safe
THE Baird government is yet to move on regulating electronic cigarettes despite expert advice, including from the NSWHealth Department, that the devices may not be safe.
Queensland has subjected e-cigarettes to the same laws as tobacco products from January 1, banning their sale to under 18s, making it illegal to use them in enclosed spaces and restricting product advertising.
“Unlike the delay in responding to the dangers of tobacco smoking, we have an opportunity to take action now to protect the health of Queenslanders,” Queensland Health Minister Lawrence Springborg said.
In NSW, however, e-cigarettes can be bought legally at any age for as little as $20. There are reports they are now being found in schools.
E-cigarettes use battery power to heat liquid containing propylene glycol and other chemicals that turn into vapour that is inhaled.
They come in a range of flavours, including fruit and chocolate, and there are growing fears that e-cigarettes act as a gateway to tobacco.
“The flavours and types available actively encourage young people to take up smoking,” NSW Opposition health spokesman Walt Secord said.
The Cancer Council and the Australian Medical Association are among a growing number of groups that have concerns about e-cigarettes and who, with the Opposition, want NSW laws brought into line with Queensland’s. NSW Health Minister Jillian Skinner declined to comment on the issue when approached by The Daily Telegraph.
AMA NSW president Dr Saxon Smith said the state government should not wait for research into the long-term health effects.
“There are measures that should be put in place,” he said.
With comments -
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/ne...-may-not-be-safe/story-fni0cx12-1227176500791
THE Baird government is yet to move on regulating electronic cigarettes despite expert advice, including from the NSWHealth Department, that the devices may not be safe.
Queensland has subjected e-cigarettes to the same laws as tobacco products from January 1, banning their sale to under 18s, making it illegal to use them in enclosed spaces and restricting product advertising.
“Unlike the delay in responding to the dangers of tobacco smoking, we have an opportunity to take action now to protect the health of Queenslanders,” Queensland Health Minister Lawrence Springborg said.
In NSW, however, e-cigarettes can be bought legally at any age for as little as $20. There are reports they are now being found in schools.
E-cigarettes use battery power to heat liquid containing propylene glycol and other chemicals that turn into vapour that is inhaled.
They come in a range of flavours, including fruit and chocolate, and there are growing fears that e-cigarettes act as a gateway to tobacco.
“The flavours and types available actively encourage young people to take up smoking,” NSW Opposition health spokesman Walt Secord said.
The Cancer Council and the Australian Medical Association are among a growing number of groups that have concerns about e-cigarettes and who, with the Opposition, want NSW laws brought into line with Queensland’s. NSW Health Minister Jillian Skinner declined to comment on the issue when approached by The Daily Telegraph.
AMA NSW president Dr Saxon Smith said the state government should not wait for research into the long-term health effects.
“There are measures that should be put in place,” he said.
With comments -
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/ne...-may-not-be-safe/story-fni0cx12-1227176500791
