Parliament’s Health and Environment Committee has received the results of tests on popular vapes that have revealed large amounts of nicotine and other chemicals.
Queensland Health was asked to commission the tests amid concerns consumers were unaware what the vapes contained.
All samples tested positive for nicotine, ranging from trace levels (less than 200 mg/kg) to 47,000 mg/kg.
Other chemicals detected included two carbonyl compounds, formaldehyde and acetaldehyde. Formaldehyde is classified as a human carcinogen.
Under Queensland law, vaping devices containing nicotine may only be obtained from a pharmacy using a prescription. Vapes containing nicotine sourced from retailers are illegal.
Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk described the results as “staggering”.
“I asked the Health and Environment Committee to look at this issue because there are people who might think vaping is safer than smoking or, indeed, harmless,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“These test results should make those people think again.”
Minister for Health, Shannon Fentiman said the results were confronting.
“We know vapes are becoming more popular, especially with younger people, and these results make it clear that what is inside them is extremely dangerous,” Ms Fentiman said.
“The Government has passed a bill to strengthen controls on smoking and vaping, including harsher penalties for anyone selling or storing illegal tobacco.”
