New laws came into effect this month banning the sale of electronic cigarettes to anyone under the age of 18.
E-cigarettes are battery powered devices that simulate the feeling of smoking by heating liquid which creates a vapour possibly containing nicotine that’s inhaled by the user.
Director of South Western Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit, Dr Stephen Conaty, has welcomed the decision to ban the sale of e-cigarettes and accessories to and on behalf of minors.
The new amendments to the Public Health Tobacco Act targets retailers and corporations found guilty of selling e-cigarettes and accessories to minors who will face a maximum penalty of $11,000 for individuals and $55,000 for corporations.
The law, which took effect on September 1, also prohibits the use of e-cigarettes in cars where minors under 16 are present from December 1.
Dr Conaty said that the process known as “vaping’’ could potentially normalise the action of smoking and could encourage children to take up tobacco smoking.
“We know that smoking tobacco creates a harmful cocktail of chemicals for the smoker and others,” he said.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“The vapour from e-cigarettes also contains chemicals including nicotine, propylene glycol and flavours that may harm your body.[/social_quote]
“Some e-cigarette liquids are poorly labelled and chemicals in them are unknown.
“We do not want children to become addicted to nicotine.
“These changes are in the best interest of children and young people as smoking is the leading cause of preventable deaths in Australia,” Dr Conaty said.
Further information about the new laws is available by calling the Tobacco Information Line on 1800 357 412 or online.
