AL Gor 29 January 2025
The latest article from the RACGP (newsGP), authored by Michelle Wisbey, delves into a study published in the International Journal of Drug Policy.
In my blog, I explore the key points raised and discuss the implications of the study.
Addressing Claims About Vape Poisoning and Regulation in Australia
The recent study published in the International Journal of Drug Policy concerns vape poisoning incidents, particularly among toddlers, and questions the effectiveness of current regulations. While child safety is paramount, the study’s findings and the broader narrative require critical examination.
1. Toddlers and Accidental Exposures
The study indicates that 56.1% of reported cases involved toddlers, emphasising the need for parental education. However, this figure must be contextualised. Toddlers are disproportionately represented in accidental poisonings across a wide range of household products, including cleaning supplies, medications, and even alcohol. The focus on vaping, while ignoring these broader risks, risks distorting the public health conversation.
The root cause here is not vaping but inadequate childproofing and supervision. Measures such as mandating child-resistant packaging for e-liquids and educating parents on safe storage would be more effective than regulatory overreach that criminalizes adult access to harm-reduction tools.
2. Hospital Referrals and Severity
Out of 547 cases over six years, only 25% required hospital referrals, and most cases were minor, with just seven classified as moderate and two fatalities. While any loss of life is tragic, it is crucial to maintain perspective. For comparison:
• Almost 40 Australian children a week are admitted to hospitals because of poisonings.
• Paracetamol poisoning accounts for thousands of hospitalisations annually in Australia, yet this does not lead to calls for banning or restricting its sale other than pack sizes
• Alcohol-related incidents in young children often result in more severe outcomes.
The data does not support the notion of a “vaping epidemic” causing widespread harm but rather highlights isolated incidents that can be mitigated through targeted measures.
3. Impact of the 2021 Regulations
The study reports an increase in reported vape poisoning cases following the 2021 prescription-only regulations. This rise coincides with a surge in illicit vaping products entering the market. Restricting legal access to nicotine vapes inadvertently created a thriving black market, where product safety cannot be guaranteed.
The researchers themselves acknowledge that enforcement challenges and the availability of illicit products undermine the regulatory intent. Instead of doubling down on restrictive policies, the focus should shift toward a regulated, transparent market with quality controls, akin to how alcohol and tobacco are managed.
4. Misrepresentation of Nicotine and Vaping Risks
The narrative around illicit vapes containing “toxic chemicals” and posing “real public health risks” lacks nuance. Legal, regulated nicotine vaping products undergo stringent manufacturing standards in many countries, significantly reducing potential risks. By contrast, unregulated products dominate when legal pathways are blocked, leading to genuine safety concerns.
Claims about a “vaping epidemic” are also overstated. While vaping prevalence has risen, it remains far below smoking rates. Furthermore, vaping is a proven harm-reduction tool for adult smokers seeking to quit combustible tobacco. Demonising vaping risks undermining its role in reducing smoking-related illnesses and deaths.
5. Educational Campaigns: A Constructive Approach
The study’s recommendation for educational campaigns for parents is a step in the right direction. Efforts to raise awareness about proper storage, child-resistant packaging, and responsible use would significantly mitigate risks without punishing adult vapers or smokers trying to quit.
6. Broader Perspective on Harm Reduction
The public health response to vaping should align with evidence-based harm reduction principles. Nicotine vaping has been instrumental in helping millions worldwide quit smoking, a leading cause of preventable deaths. Policies should aim to:
• Ensure safe, legal access to regulated nicotine vaping products for adults.
• Provide clear guidelines and robust enforcement against sales to minors.
• Educate parents and caregivers on preventing accidental exposure.
Australia’s restrictive approach has failed to curb vaping uptake while exacerbating black market activity. A shift toward a regulated model, as seen in New Zealand and the UK, would better balance harm reduction for adults and safety for children.
The study’s findings underscore the need for practical, evidence-based solutions to reduce accidental vape poisonings, particularly among toddlers. However, sensationalist narratives about a “vaping epidemic” detract from the broader public health benefits of vaping as a harm-reduction tool. A balanced approach—focusing on regulation, education, and harm reduction—will better serve both public health and individual freedoms.