TGA condemns vapers to death by smoking

Release: TGA condemns vapers to death by smoking

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), with the oversight of Health Minister Greg Hunt, just announced their intention to block the import of e-cigarettes and vape liquid, containing nicotine.  Individuals caught shipping nicotine vape products from abroad will face fines up to $220,000 as of July 1. Legalise Vaping Australia reproved the TGA and Greg Hunt for this decision.

“Currently, 300,000 Australians depend on nicotine vapes. Many of those Aussies, still addicted to nicotine, will be forced to revert to cigarettes. And ciggies kill 2 in 3 long-term users,” said the Director of Policy for Legalise Vaping Australia, Emilie Dye. “This regulatory change is a death sentence for thousands.”

“Vaping, because of how it imitates the process of smoking and retains smoking culture without filling users’ lungs with tar and carcinogens, is the most effective means of quitting. But a legitimate stigma against smoking has been unfairly applied to vaping.”

“Vaping is 95 per cent less harmful than smoking. No one has ever died from legal, properly-regulated vaping products. Meanwhile, smoking kills 58 Australians every day.”

“Vapers cannot purchase nicotine in Australia, so have been forced to procure their life-saving nicotine from abroad. Now, even that will be illegal.

“Nicotine is highly addictive, but tobacco is deadly. Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable death worldwide. Vaping allows smokers to consume nicotine without harmful chemicals as they work to conquer their addiction.

“The fun flavours in vapes naturally motivate many vapers to reduce the nicotine in their vapes over-time so they better taste the flavours. Approximately 20 per cent of vapers we surveyed were able to quit nicotine, and eventually vaping, completely. That is many times more effective than any other nicotine replacement therapies including gums, patches, and sprays.”

“Australia should encourage smokers to start vaping--like other countries, including the UK, have done. Instead, the TGA is threatening Aussies trying to do the healthy thing with financially crippling fines.”