E-cigarette fact sheet
May 1, 2014
THE Australian Association of
Smoking Cessation Professionals
(AASCP) has published a fact sheet
on the use of e-cigarettes, following
concerns at usage levels.
An International Tobacco Control
study in 10 countries found that
one in five Australian smokers
had tried e-cigarettes, but the
Therapeutic Goods Administration
(TGA) has not undertaken an
assessment of e-cigarettes.
A spokeswoman for the Federal
Department of Health said health
authorities are concerned about
the use of electronic cigarettes
because of a lack of evidence
on their safety and efficacy;
e-cigarettes containing nicotine are
therefore illegal for sale.
The fact sheet aimed to
help smokers and healthcare
professionals make informed
decisions about e-cigarette use, the
AASCP said.
Vice president Dr Colin
Mendelsohn said there were no
long term studies on e-cigarettes
and further research on safety was
needed.
In the US, the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) has proposed
that its authority be extended to
cover additional tobacco products,
such as e-cigarettes, which would
allow scientific review of the
products (PD 28 Apr).
The Department of Health
spokeswoman said manufacturers
had not yet provided evidence
that products were a safe and
efficacious form of cessation
therapy.
“Nor have they provided any
evidence to authorities of the
overall safety, quality or efficacy of
these products.”
To download the fact sheet, CLICK
HERE.
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