Central Coast Local Health District has launched a campaign to combat the growing problem of vaping amongst teenagers on the Central Coast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say No to Vaping aims to raise awareness of the health risks young people are exposing themselves to by using electronic cigarettes (e\u2013cigarettes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The awareness drive coincides with World No Tobacco Day (Monday 31 May) and highlights how e\u2013cigarettes are not only addictive, but contain harmful chemicals and toxins that can cause some of the same serious health problems as smoking tobacco.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As part of the campaign, information and resources will be provided to local schools and community organisations who work with young people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Data on teenage vaping in 2017 indicated one in five students aged 16 to 17 years old had used an e\u2013cigarette, while nearly one in 10 students aged 12 to 15 had used one1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are fears this number is growing and Dr Lyndon Bauer, a local GP and health promotion officer at Central Coast Local Health District, hopes the campaign will help debunk some of the myths around vaping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe know from engaging regularly with Central Coast high schools and community groups that vaping is a rapidly emerging issue for them,\u201d Dr Bauer said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPart of this problem stems from a number of myths around e\u2013cigarettes that they\u2019re harmless and less
addictive \u2013 this is simply not true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMany e\u2013cigarettes produce or emit vapour containing chemicals and toxins such as formaldehyde and heavy metals that can cause serious lung damage and even cancer. They can also contain large amounts of nicotine, the same highly\u2013addictive chemical that\u2019s in regular cigarettes,\u201d Dr Bauer added<\/p>\n\n\n\n
E\u2013cigarettes are battery\u2013powered and can look like everyday items like pens, highlighters, asthma pumps, lipsticks or USB memory sticks, as well as traditional cigarettes, cigars or pipes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They have cartridges filled with a liquid that typically contains nicotine, flavourings and other chemicals. This liquid is heated by the battery, producing a vapour that the user inhales, hence the term \u201cvaping\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBecause of their sweet flavours, e\u2013cigarettes make it easy for teens to put large amounts of nicotine into their body without even realising it,\u201d Dr Bauer said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis is not good for a young person. Nicotine can affect brain development in teens, impacting their learning, concentration and mood, causing anxiety and depression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPutting nicotine into your body also increases your risk of other types of addiction in later life.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In NSW, it is illegal to sell e\u2013cigarettes or e\u2013cigarette accessories to a person under 18 years of age, while it is illegal to sell e\u2013cigarettes containing nicotine to all ages. Retailers can be prosecuted after having products seized and can be fined up to $1,100 per offence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is also illegal to use e\u2013cigarettes in places where smoking is illegal, such as outdoor play areas, public swimming pools, public transport and outdoor dining areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2020\u201321, the NSW Government is investing $17.3 million on tobacco and e\u2013cigarette control. This includes public awareness and education campaigns, quit smoking support, compliance and enforcement of strong smoke\u2013free and retailing laws, and targeted programs for vulnerable groups with high smoking rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n