Lung Foundation Australia has welcomed landmark legislation in the United Kingdom to create a smoke-free generation, calling on the Australian Government to go further by introducing a tobacco and vape-free generation policy, ensuring young Australians are protected from addiction and its long-term impact on lung health.
The UK’s new law will prevent anyone born from 2009 onwards from ever being legally sold tobacco. Australia has no equivalent policy and is at risk of falling behind.
CEO Mark Brooke said Australia has a strong track record of decisive tobacco control, from banning advertising and sponsorships to introducing plain packaging, and now must take the next step.
“Australia has led the world before when it comes to reducing harm from tobacco, we didn’t shy away from bold reform then, and we shouldn’t now,” he said.
“The next step is clear: a tobacco and vape-free generation. This is about stopping addiction before it starts and protecting the health of future generations.”
“We have a responsibility to ensure young Australians are never exposed to products designed to create lifelong dependence.”
Tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of preventable deaths in Australia, responsible for more than 24,000 deaths each year, while vaping is driving increasing nicotine dependence among young people.
Lung Foundation Australia Board Chair and Respiratory Physician Lucy Morgan said prevention is critical to protecting long-term lung health.
“From a respiratory perspective, we see the impacts these products can have on the lungs, from irritation and inflammation through to long-term damage that can affect how well people are able to breathe,” Professor Morgan said.
“Protecting lung health starts with prevention. Reducing exposure to tobacco smoke and vapes is one of the most effective ways we can support healthy lungs across the community.”
Lung Foundation Australia’s call to action reflects its newly launched corporate plan, Lung Health for All, which aims to reduce tobacco and vape harm and progressing toward a tobacco and vape-free generation.
Central to the plan is a strong focus on prevention, protecting future generations from nicotine dependence while continuing to support Australians to improve lung health outcomes.
“This is about acting early and ensuring every Australian has the opportunity for better lung health,” Mr Brooke said.
Support to quit smoking is available through Quitline on 13 78 48 or via Lung Foundation Australia’s Lung Health Helpline on 1800 654 301 (option 2) to speak to one of our qualified nurses.
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