Vaping has led to severe health complications for 178 individuals in Australia in recent years, necessitating hospital treatment, with two fatalities and an unintentionally poisoned toddler among them, according to Private Healthcare Australia’s latest data.
The data revealed that seven children under the age of 15 were hospitalised due to vaping-related disorders or injuries since 2020, including a two-year-old. Additionally, 19 individuals aged 15 to 24 required hospitalisation related to vaping, with an average hospital stay duration of 5.6 days.
Private Healthcare Australia CEO Dr. Rachel David said the data likely represents only a fraction of the actual cases, as it solely encompasses individuals utilising health insurance for their hospitalisation.
“This is more evidence of the dangerous, addictive threat vaping poses to Australians of all ages, including young people who may not realise they’re gambling with their health,” she said. “E-cigarettes or vapes might smell sweet and look benign, but research shows they contain up to 200 chemicals including weed killer and paint stripper. We also know that many of the products claiming to be nicotine-free contain the addictive drug.”
Analysis of the data indicates that approximately one in 10 hospital admissions were related to individuals with mental illnesses, addiction, or behavioural disorders. Additionally, around one in four had either a respiratory condition, such as asthma, or a heart condition like high blood pressure. Of the 178 individuals, 59% were female, and 41% were male.
The hospitalisations incurred costs amounting to $1.23 million for health funds, with the median claim totalling $1,960. Notably, one in five hospital admissions were categorised as “high-cost claims”, surpassing $10,000.
Data on the distribution of hospital admissions revealed that 40% occurred in New South Wales, followed by 28% in Queensland, 23% in Victoria, and 3% in both Western Australia and South Australia.
David acknowledged the Albanese Government’s proactive stance against vaping, particularly praising the recent ban on the importation of disposable single-use vapes effective from January 1, 2024.
“Health funds want to protect Australians from the preventable damage vaping causes. We do not want another generation developing nicotine addiction and heart and lung problems like we saw with tobacco. Health funds will continue to work with the Albanese Government on its efforts to eliminate vaping in 2024,” she said.
In other news, Private Healthcare Australia has been calling for premium hikes as the health insurance industry continues to navigate the balance of covering inflation and addressing the demand for hospital services.
