
E-cigarettes
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Electronic cigarettes, also known as e-cigarettes, are battery operated products that replicate smoking.
How e-cigarettes work
- E-cigarettes work by heating a cartridge that contains liquid.
- They often have flavours and preservatives and sometimes nicotine.
- Nicotine is an addictive part of cigarettes and tobacco.
- The heating process creates a vapour that resembles tobacco smoke.
- Breathing in this vapour is referred to as vaping.
Are e-cigarettes safe to use?
- E-cigarettes have been linked with immediate harms including respiratory illness and death.
- The effects of longer term use of e-cigarettes is not clear, and may not be available for years, even decades.
- There are no products approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration
- The quality and safety of products has not been assessed, and can vary in the amount and type of chemicals they contain.
Do e-cigarettes help people wanting to quit smoking?
- Some people claim e-cigarettes can help people to quit smoking.
- There is not enough evidence to support this claim.
- It is recommended that you speak to you GP if you want more information about quitting smoking.
Laws about e-cigarettes in Tasmania
- Pharmacies that wish to sell nicotine e-cigarettes require a smoking product licence.
- It is illegal to sell nicotine e-cigarettes to people who do not have a prescription from a doctor
- There are also restrictions about displaying, advertising or selling e-cigarettes to people under 18.
- You cant use e-cigarettes in smoke free areas.
More information about e-cigarettes
- Learn about e-cigarettes and severe lung illness on the Australian Government Department of Health website
- View the Public Health Act 1997
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