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Vaping and Tobacco Harm Reduction

At Respiratory Care WA, our mission is to promote and protect the respiratory health of all Western Australians.

We are committed to reducing the prevalence of respiratory diseases, including those caused by tobacco use.  

Our advocacy position on vaping and tobacco harm reduction is rooted in our vision of a community where everyone can breathe freely and live their best lives.

Our key areas of advocacy can be found below:

Tobacco Harm Reduction

Tobacco smoking remains the leading cause of preventable respiratory diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and asthma exacerbations. Respiratory Care WA supports a harm reduction approach as a complementary strategy to smoking cessation, particularly for those who struggle to quit smoking through conventional means. Our harm reduction advocacy is guided by the following principles:

Promotion of Smoking Cessation: Our ultimate goal is to support individuals in quitting smoking altogether, thereby reducing their risk of developing serious respiratory conditions. We advocate for increased access to evidence-based smoking cessation programs and GP provided advice as the primary strategy for tobacco harm reduction. 

Education and Awareness: We are dedicated to educating the community about the severe respiratory risks associated with smoking and the benefits of quitting. Our education emphasise the importance of protecting lung health and provide clear, evidence-based information on smoking cessation and harm reduction options. 

Support for Safer Alternatives: For smokers who are unable or unwilling to quit, we advocate for the availability of safer alternatives, such as nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) and vaping devices. These alternatives may offer a less harmful way to manage nicotine addiction and reduce the respiratory harm caused by smoking combustible cigarettes. 

Position on Vaping

Vaping, or the use of e-cigarettes, has gained attention as a potential tool for reducing harm among adult smokers. However, it also poses risks, particularly to non-smokers, young people, and those who have never used tobacco. Our position on vaping aligns with our commitment to respiratory health and is centred on the following principles:

For Adult Smokers: 

Vaping as a Harm Reduction Tool: For adult smokers who are unable to quit using traditional methods, vaping may offer a less harmful alternative. Current evidence suggests that vaping is significantly less damaging to lung health than smoking combustible tobacco, as it reduces exposure to harmful chemicals that contribute to respiratory diseases. 

Regulated Access: We advocate for the regulated availability of vaping products, ensuring that they are accessible to adult smokers as a harm reduction option, while also implementing safeguards to prevent misuse or overuse. 

 

For Non-Smokers and Youth: 

Preventing Vaping Initiation: Respiratory Care WA strongly opposes the initiation of vaping among non-smokers, particularly young people, due to the risk of nicotine addiction and potential long-term respiratory harm. We are committed to protecting the lung health of future generations. 

Stringent Regulation: We support strict regulations on the marketing, sale, and use of vaping products to prevent uptake by minors and non-smokers.  

 

Research and Monitoring:

Commitment to Research: We advocate for continued research into the long-term effects of vaping on respiratory health, its effectiveness as a smoking cessation tool, and its broader public health impact. Ongoing research is essential to inform our advocacy and public health policies. 

Conclusion

Respiratory Care WA’s advocacy is guided by our vision of a community where everyone enjoys optimal respiratory health. We recognise the potential of vaping as a harm reduction tool for smokers, but we remain vigilant about the risks it poses to non-smokers and youth.  

Our focus is on reducing the respiratory harm caused by tobacco use, promoting safer alternatives for those who need them, and ensuring that strong regulations protect the lung health of all Western Australians. Through continued education, research, and advocacy, we strive to create a healthier future where smoking-related respiratory conditions are a thing of the past.

A Whirlwind Tour of E-Cigarettes and Vaping

Respiratory Care WA recently welcomed Associate Professor Alexander Larcombe, Senior Research Fellow and Head of the Respiratory Environmental Health team The Kids Research Institute Australia to share his insights into vaping and e-cigarettes at our November health professional webinar.

Webinar Objectives:

  • What are vapes / e-cigarettes?
  • What is in an e-liquid/vape?
  • Health impacts
  • Recent research findings
  • Vaping and asthma
  • E-cigarette regulations

Length: 47 mins
Uploaded: 28/11/24