Call for governments to make tobacco industry clean up their mess

In Australia approximately 8.9 billion butts are littered annually- costing the economy ~$73 million each year. Current strategies focus on tobacco consumers to ensure cigarette butts are disposed of properly, however, a new study found that a ban on plastic cigarette filters and a mandatory product stewardship scheme would have the greatest potential environmental benefit. It’s time to make tobacco companies pay to clean up their act.

Mental health, smoking prevalence and quitting behaviours

Analysis of data from Australia's triennial National Drug Strategy Household Surveys (2004–2019) found that regular tobacco use among Australians with mental illness has decreased significantly since 2004.

People living with mental illness who smoke were also as likely to attempt to quit and more likely to use cessation aids; however, they were also more likely to report unsuccessful quit attempts. Recommendations include improving access and adhering to best-practice smoking cessation treatment.

Another reason not to use e-cigarettes!

We already know smoking puts you at a higher risk of hospitalisation from COVID-19, and now e-cigarette users aren't immune to this either.

E-cigarette users are also more likely to experience more COVID-19 symptoms (e.g. chest pain, lightheaded, nausea, myalgia, & chills) than non-users. 

Reduce tobacco use and nicotine addiction

In December 2021, the Government launched the much-anticipated National Preventive Health Strategy 2021-2030. Key targets to reduce tobacco use and nicotine addiction include:

• Achieve a national daily smoking prevalence of less than 10% by 2025 and 5% or less for adults (≥18 years) by 2030
• Reduce the daily smoking rate among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (≥15 years) to 27% or less by 2030