Don't be fooled into thinking e-cigarettes are safe
On World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) Sunday May 31, Far West Local Health District (FWLHD) is highlighting the harmful and deadly effects of smoking in any form, including the use of electronic (e) cigarettes.
It is estimated that 8.1% of the population of NSW smoke e-cigarettes. Of concern is that the 2017 NSW School Students Health Behaviours Survey revealed that 12.9% of NSW secondary school students had used an e-cigarette at least once and 3.9% had used e-cigarettes in the previous four weeks.
'This WNTD we want young people and parents to be aware of the risks associated with e-cigarettes,' said Lyndal O'Leary, Manager Health Promotion.
'E-cigarettes cannot be considered safe as the long term impacts of use on health are unknown. E-cigarettes have been found to contain hazardous chemicals and toxins including heavy metals and carcinogens such as formaldehyde. E-cigarette use has been linked to diseases such as lung disease,' said Ms O'Leary.
'The 2020 WNTD theme is raising awareness of the potentially harmful effects of e-cigarettes which are often targeted at youth with new and novel products, flavours and other attractive features,' said Ms O'Leary.
Tobacco retailers are reminded it is illegal to sell e-cigarettes or accessories to a person under the age of 18 years.
'As with other cigarette products adults can legally purchase and use e-cigarettes which do not contain nicotine. However, it is illegal for cigarette products including e-cigarettes to be sold to a person under the age of 18yrs', said Manager of Environmental Health, Timothy Brokenshire.
For support to quit smoking call the Quitline on +61 137848, or visit www.icanquit.com.au