Australia's Vaping Ban: A Bold Step to Protect Teens

Australia is banning recreational vaping to protect teens. The country is banning all disposable vapes, which are often sold in sweet, fruity flavors and youth-oriented packaging. From now on, vapes will be sold in pharmacies inside basic packaging, intended only to help people quit cigarettes.

Vapes work by heating a liquid, usually containing nicotine, into a vapor that users inhale. They have exploded in popularity among young Australians, especially in cities.

According to the Australian government, 22% of Australians aged 18-24 have vaped, along with 1 in 6 aged 14-17. Vapes already need a prescription in Australia given to smokers who are trying to quit, but the sector is poorly regulated, and there's a huge black market.

As part of the new legislation, imported vapes will also be banned, while nicotine levels will be limited and quality standards introduced. This is designed to protect teens from the dangers of recreational vaping and help to reduce the black market for vapes.

The new regulations will ensure that those who use vapes are getting a safe and regulated product. They will also help to reduce the appeal of vaping to young people, who are particularly vulnerable to the dangers of nicotine addiction.