A sculpture in the form of a ‘vape cloud’ is on public display at Scienceworks for residents, including those in Brimbank and the North West, to understand the dangers of e-cigarettes
The cloud depicts the toxic chemicals found in e-cigarettes, and is part of an ongoing VicHealth initiative in response to concerning new data that just one in three young people surveyed understand what’s in e-cigarettes.
Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said the government wants to drive change around e-cigarette use in the state.
“We’re proud to be launching this installation to raise awareness and drive crucial change around the troubling use of e-cigarettes gripping young Victorians,” Ms Thomas said.
VicHealth said e-cigarettes can contain over 200 toxic chemicals, many of which are found in weed killer, bleach and paint stripper.
The sculpture visually represents 10 of these commonly recognisable toxic chemicals, making the dangers of vaping clear to children and their families.
VicHealth chief executive Dr Sandro Demaio said families are rightly concerned about vaping and need to be armed with the facts to have critical conversations with their children.
“While the government continues to make positive headway with their landmark reforms to tackle vaping, we need to urgently educate Victorians about the dangers of vaping from a young age,” Dr Demaio said.
“They’re targeted with misinformation from the tobacco industry.
“Our research reveals around two thirds of parents and young people don’t understand that e-cigarettes contain toxic chemicals, [with] many known to cause cancer.
“This installation is an engaging way of educating families about the very real dangers of vaping.”
Cancer Council Victoria chief executive Todd Harper said most e-cigarettes sold in Australia contain nicotine which is one of the most addictive known substances.
“Nicotine… is harmful to adolescent brain development, hinders concentration and can increase their risk of taking up smoking cigarettes by three,” Mr Harper said.
“By housing this sculpture at Scienceworks and providing actionable advice… children and their families will gain access to new information and supportive ways of talking about the harms of vaping, free from judgement.
“After all, it’s predatory industry tactics that have led to the steep rise in e-cigarette usage.”
The sculpture will be on display from June 7, 2023 to August, 3 2023.
The national e-cigarette awareness and attitudes survey, conducted in February and March, revealed:
● Only one in three young people (37 per cent) and parents (34 per cent) understand what’s in an e-cigarette
● Less than two in five (39 per cent) parents were aware that e-cigarettes can contain as much nicotine as 50 traditional cigarettes
● Nine in 10 parents are concerned about the popularity of vaping among children
● Less than two in five (39 per cent) young people know that using e-cigarettes can lodge fine metal particles deep in people’s lungs
