![]() Nicotine for human consumption is listed in the SUSMP as a prescription-only medicine in the schedule 4 (S4) classification, except when used as an aid in the withdrawal from tobacco smoking in preparations intended for oromucosal or transdermal use (eg nicotine patches, gum or mouthsprays). 15 New South Wales has established its own NSW Poisons List which reflects the SUSMP with respect to nicotine. Most Australian states and territories (with the exception of New South Wales) follow the Commonwealth Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons (SUSMP). In Australia, Commonwealth law overrides state and territory law when there is any inconsistency. Australian lawĪustralian laws about e-cigarettes are complex and vary between different jurisdictions (refer to Appendix 1, available online only). 14 Bottles of e-liquid are reportedly being sold without proper warnings and advice, or in child-resistant packaging. 13 Concerns have also been raised about accidental nicotine poisoning of children. 12 There are also reports of tobacco companies purchasing e-cigarette companies, which raises concern about a marketing push for the uptake of e-cigarettes or dual use, and promoting the normalisation of cigarette smoking. ![]() 1 Others have expressed apprehension about the dual use of e-cigarettes with conventional cigarettes, which may result in smokers continuing to smoke rather than quit. Some critics argue e-cigarettes deliver nicotine, and therefore, can maintain addiction. Analyses of e-cigarette aerosols have found toxic compounds are present at much lower levels than in cigarette smoke and sometimes similar to those in medicinal nicotine products. ![]() 4,7–10 The health effects of long-term use are also unknown, although probably lower than those of smoking cigarettes because e-cigarette users do not inhale the carcinogens contained in tars. There is limited research on whether e-cigarettes assist quitting. Two major claims are made for e-cigarettes: they increase quitting and are safer to use in the long term than smoking cigarettes. 6 Not all e-cigarettes contain nicotine, as some contain tobacco flavoured liquid, while others contain mint, fruit or other flavours. 6 This suggests users learn to regulate their nicotine intake from e-cigarettes in much the same way as smokers regulate their nicotine intake from combustible cigarettes. Studies of inexperienced users show low-nicotine uptake but experienced users (who are usually former smokers) can achieve similar blood nicotine levels to smoking cigarettes. Heating the atomiser aerosolises the liquid stored in the cartridge (usually referred to as e-juice or e-liquid), which usually contains nicotine and humectants (such as propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerol) mixed with flavours.Īn e-cigarette cartridge may last several hours, or up to several days, depending on factors such as nicotine content and cartridge volume, and the way it is used. E-cigarettes have a heating element, a disposable or refillable cartridge and an atomiser. They often resemble cigarettes but can also look like pens. What are e-cigarettes?Į-cigarettes are battery-powered devices designed to deliver nicotine and/or other substances as an aerosol that is then inhaled. 5 One may reasonably expect that some Australian smokers will also ask their doctors for advice about e-cigarettes. 5 It also found around one-third of practitioners had recommended patients use e-cigarettes as a cessation aid. 4Ī survey of medical practitioners in the US recently reported around half had received patient inquiries about e-cigarettes ‘frequently’ or ‘sometimes’. 2,3 Data from the International tobacco control four country study found the proportion of Australian smokers who have tried e-cigarettes has increased in recent years. In the US, around 3.5 million people have reportedly used e-cigarettes 1 and around 2.1 million adults in the UK. Electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, have gained popularity in Australia and overseas, particularly among smokers.
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