A NEW vaping prevention campaign ‘clear the air’ was launched by Cancer Council WA last week, which aims to educate young people on the health impacts of e-cigarette use.

The state government provided $375,000 in funding to Cancer Council WA to develop the campaign, which complements other initiatives – including the WA school’s anti-vaping toolkit, and more than $2.4 million to deliver the ‘make smoking history’ campaign over the next three years.

As part of the ‘clear the air’ campaign, four digital advertisements - called Rotten Fruit - highlight to young people aged 14 to 24 years the dangers behind the deceptive fruity flavours in vapes.

Research has found that e-cigarette use is socially acceptable among young people and is seen as more appealing than tobacco cigarettes due to the flavours and taste.

However, e-cigarettes can contain more than 240 toxic chemicals like weed killer, cleaning products, and paint stripper, as well as nicotine.

Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said vapes contain many toxic substances, including nicotine, which is a highly addictive and dangerous poison, and are designed to appeal to young people.

“People who vape are three times more likely to take up smoking, so it is important we are doing everything we can to keep our young people safe.

“The vaping prevention campaign is part of the state government’s approach to prevent and reduce vaping among young people.”

The ads will be visible across social media channels, streaming services, and mobile apps; along with also directing people to visit the ‘clear the air’ website for more information and tips on how to quit.

For further information go to https://www.cleartheair.org.au/