My 16 year-old son estimates that about 70% of his year at school vapes. He might be exaggerating a bit, but there are clouds of vape fumes that accompany students leaving the local school as they walk home.

Vaping may well be safer than smoking, but we're not sure of the long-term effects, and nicotine remains an addictive substance. That's not to mention the effect on the planet of single-use vapes.

So I'm pleased that the Australian government have taken a hard line on this, and hope other countries do likewise. It's a nonsense to see tobacco hidden behind a counter and screen, while vapes are on sale next to bread and milk on supermarket shelves.

Someone vaping

Recreational vaping will be banned in Australia, as part of a major crackdown amid what experts say is an "epidemic".

[...]

Also known as e-cigarettes, vapes heat a liquid - usually containing nicotine - turning it into a vapour that users inhale. They are widely seen as a product to help smokers quit.

But in Australia, vapes have exploded in popularity as a recreational product, particularly among young people in cities.

"Just like they did with smoking… 'Big Tobacco' has taken another addictive product, wrapped it in shiny packaging and added sweet flavours to create a new generation of nicotine addicts," [Health Minister Mark] Butler said in a speech announcing reforms on Tuesday.

[...]

Research suggests one in six Australians aged 14-17 years old has vaped, and one in four people aged 18-24.

"Only 1 in 70 people my age has vaped," said Mr Butler, who is 52.

He said the products are being deliberately targeted at kids and are readily available "alongside lollies and chocolate bars" in retail stores.

Source: Australia to ban recreational vaping in major public health move | BBC News