Health Minister Mark Butler outlines the 200 chemicals in vapes and the unknown health effects as he introduces his anti-vaping bill. Footage: Hansard
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00:00 The highly addictive nature of nicotine, the sophisticated marketing to vulnerable populations
00:06 and the direct inhalation of substances into the lungs mean that risks to population health
00:12 associated with vaping can be severe.
00:15 Numerous studies highlight concerns about potential adverse effects, including on adolescent
00:21 brain development, worsened pregnancy outcomes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease
00:27 and cancer.
00:29 This is not surprising, as vapes have been found to include over 200 different chemicals,
00:35 including listed poisons, heavy metals such as nickel and chromium, and chemical by-products
00:40 produced during heating such as formaldehyde, nitrosamines, acetone and acrylin.
00:47 Some of these chemicals are used in weed killer, nail polish remover and even to embalm dead
00:52 bodies.
00:53 A range of other health risks are also associated with vape use, including severe burns, poisoning
01:00 and seizures.
01:01 The evidence is clear.
01:04 People who have never smoked and who use vapes are more likely to take up cigarette smoking
01:08 than those who do not.
01:10 Dual use of vaping and tobacco products may result in even worse health outcomes compared
01:16 to smoking alone.
01:18 Perhaps most worryingly, the long-term health risks of vaping are not yet fully known.
01:25 Nicotine vapes may worsen mental health conditions and amplify stress, anxiety and depressive
01:31 symptoms.
01:32 Parents, teachers and doctors are reporting that nicotine dependence is impacting learning
01:37 behaviours and wellbeing in schools.
01:39 In addition, the Australian Dental Association warns that vaping may be setting the next
01:44 generation up for a raft of oral health issues.
01:47 [BLANK_AUDIO]