Public health professionals discuss the rise in the use of disposable vapes.

When Dr Leena Gupta thinks about the next biggest health issue, it’s vaping.

“Vaping is going to be the next public health emergency. I’m not being a drama queen,” District Public Health Clinical Director Dr Leena Gupta said.

Leena joined Concord Hospital’s Head of Respiratory Medicine Professor Matthew Peters to present at the Sydney Innovation and Research Symposium on the rise of disposable vapes (or e-cigarettes) and how the District will address vaping in the community.

“The highest prevalence is in young people, and we really need to deal with it,” she said.

Professor Peters presented the mechanics of addiction and what makes vapes intrinsically addictive to younger people, causing a dramatic increase since 2020.

Factors include the lower price, increased rituals associated with use, and the extreme marketing and social context linked with vaping.

“Flavours conceal the nicotine addiction and provide sensory stimulation,” he said.

“The devices are easily concealable with small smoke plumes, and it is much cheaper and more affordable. Access is easy so the kids can get it.”

He also emphasised that the rapid delivery of nicotine through vaping impacts addictive behaviour, which is more damaging than smoking.

While smoking rates have decreased over the past 20 years, the use of vapes has increased.

Leena suggested the large rise in vaping in the 18-24 age group could be curbed by applying from some of the strategies that had reduced smoking rates.

“A critical aspect has been collaboration. With police, health, and education. It is a corner stone of why we’ve done so well with tobacco in Australia,” she said.

“Everyone has been exposed to health promotion campaigns. They are clear and evidence based, and a real concerted effort to get smoking rates down, and we can all congratulate ourselves.”

Leena suggests the response to increased vaping needs to be a collaborative effort across the health system.

“We want to bring all the people enthusiastic in and get involved,” Leena said.

To clinical staff, she advises being consistent and at the forefront of the latest information.

“Ask about vaping in every single consultation that you can. Look for opportunities for vaping cessation, keep informed and bust the myths,” Leena said.

“We need to make vaping uncool again.”

The vaping discussion was part of series of clinical presentations at this year’s Sydney Innovation & Research Symposium for Sydney Innovation Week, the District’s week-long showcase of events – encouraging staff and the community to Imagine. Transform. Lead.