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    ATHRA supporter newsletter March 2019

    Reducing the harm from smoking

    ATHRA Supporter Newsletter

    March 2019

    The benefits of vaping have become clearer over the last month and yet Australia remains resistant to change.

    Public Health England’s latest evidence review confirms the dramatic health benefits of switching to vaping and that vaping can be one of the most effective ways to quit. Regular use by adults and young people in the UK who have never smoked is rare. Read more.

    Another study in New Zealand calculated the impact of legalising vaping products and making them more readily available. After weighing up all the risks and benefits, the change would result in substantial improvements in population health and health care cost savings. Similar results would be expected in Australia. Read more.

    VAPING IN AUSTRALIA

    A recent study has reported that 1.2% of Australian adults vape, a total of 227,000 people in 2016. 43% of Australian vapers are also currently smoking (dual users). Read more.

    Although recent market research shows strong community support for vaping, Australia is increasingly out-of-step with other high-income western countries in its policy on nicotine sales and use, as this table shows.

    All states and territories have now passed strict regulation to regulate vaping products as tobacco products. Legislation was passed in the Northern Territory and South Australia recently and will apply from the middle of 2019. SA is the only state to ban sales of vaping products (and cigarettes) ONLINE.

    The NT government recently claimed that importing nicotine for personal use  is illegal (groan!). ATHRA is getting legal advice and will liaise with the Health Minister. We have had the same problem previously with Queensland Health. The full legal information on vaping is Australia is available here.

    NEWS FROM ATHRA

    ATHRA recorded 4 short videos on vaping by eminent UK scientist, Professor David Nutt, Head of the Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, Imperial College London. They are available on our YouTube channel here.

    ATHRA in the media

    • Colin's interview in New Idea magazine yesterday here
    • Interview with Colin and Professor Christine Paul on ABC Drive here.
    • A feature article in the Financial review here.
    • 'Why I quit the AMA over vaping hypocrisy' in Fairfax media here
    • 'Push for vaping to be legalised in Australia continues', on news.com.au here

    ATHRA funding

    ATHRA is an independent charity and has taken funding from the public and vape businesses to get established. To maintain the 'perception' of independence (as well as the reality) ATHRA is no longer accept donations from vape businesses.However, donations from private individuals and non-vaping businesses continue to be welcome.

    All donations over $2 are tax deductible. Please click HERE to donate.

    Click here to donate to the World Vaping Day 2019 campaign

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    RECENT BLOG POSTS

    ATHRA no longer accepts vape industry donations

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