It is estimated that 8.1% of the population of NSW smoke e-cigarettes. Of concern is that the 2017 NSW School Students Health Behaviours Survey revealed that 12.9% of NSW secondary school students had used an e-cigarette at least once and 3.9% had used e-cigarettes in the previous four weeks.
'This WNTD we want young people and parents to be aware of the risks associated with e-cigarettes,' said Lyndal O'Leary, Manager Health Promotion.
'E-cigarettes cannot be considered safe as the long term impacts of use on health are unknown. E-cigarettes have been found to contain hazardous chemicals and toxins including heavy metals and carcinogens such as formaldehyde. E-cigarette use has been linked to diseases such as lung disease,' said Ms O'Leary.
'The 2020 WNTD theme is raising awareness of the potentially harmful effects of e-cigarettes which are often targeted at youth with new and novel products, flavours and other attractive features,' said Ms O'Leary.
Tobacco retailers are reminded it is illegal to sell e-cigarettes or accessories to a person under the age of 18 years.
'As with other cigarette products adults can legally purchase and use e-cigarettes which do not contain nicotine. However, it is illegal for cigarette products including e-cigarettes to be sold to a person under the age of 18yrs', said Manager of Environmental Health, Timothy Brokenshire.
For support to quit smoking call the Quitline on +61 137848, or visit www.icanquit.com.au