The alarming way Australia’s vape addiction is killing dogs – as Abbie Chatfield slams her co-host who won’t quit the habit
An Australian health expert has shared the health risks vapes pose to pets.
Claire Wakefield, a researcher and psychologist from the Minderoo Foundation, appeared on Abbie Chatfield’s Its A Lot podcast to discuss the vaping epidemic sweeping the country.
After discussing how vaping can be dangerous for adults, Wakefield also warned that the liquid in a vape can also cause major health problems if accidentally ingested.
“The actual liquid is poisonous,” she said, adding: “There have been quite a few cases of children being poisoned from drinking the liquid, or dogs chewing it and then being poisoned.”
Abbie, who owns a cocker spaniel named Walter, promptly lashed out at her producer Oscar Gordon for refusing to stop vaping.
Health expert Claire Wakefield has revealed how the liquid in vapes can be deadly to dogs as she appears on Abbie Chatfield’s podcast Its A Lot (pictured)
‘That’s heartbreaking! Oscar, how could you do that to Walter?’ she complained.
Chuckling awkwardly, Oscar replied, “I would never do that to Walter!”
Vaping has exploded in popularity in recent years, especially among young Australians, as it doesn’t carry the same stigma and price tag as cigarettes. A Chinese-made vape costs just $20, compared to a $50 pack of cigarettes.
“The actual liquid is poisonous,” Wakefield told Chatfield, adding: “There have been quite a few cases of children being poisoned from drinking the liquid, or dogs chewing it and then being poisoned.”
Vapes were previously marketed as a safer alternative to cigarettes, but there has been evidence in recent years that the electronic devices cause similar damage to the body.
Experts warn that vapes can damage a user’s DNA, cause a number of respiratory problems, promote tumors, increase the risk of lung cancer and heart disease, and may even be linked to erectile dysfunction.
Australia now has strict laws and regulations on vaping, with the government determined to prevent flavored devices from being sold in convenience stores.
Abbie, who owns a cocker spaniel named Walter (pictured), promptly lashed out at her producer Oscar Gordon for refusing to stop vaping
Chuckling awkwardly, Oscar (photo) replied: ‘I would never do that to Walter!’
The import of single-use disposable vapes will be banned from January 1, while the import of all other vapes, regardless of nicotine content or therapeutic claims, will be banned from March 1.
From then on, importers must have special licenses and permits to legally import vapes.
To coincide with the changes to import regulations, a new access program has been set up to allow doctors and nurses to prescribe therapeutic vapors to help quit smoking or manage nicotine addiction.
Health Minister Mark Butler only announced the measure on November 28, arguing they were needed to prevent teenagers becoming addicted to nicotine.
“These reforms will protect Australians, especially young people, from the harms of vaping and nicotine addiction,” he said.
Vapes were previously marketed as a safer alternative to cigarettes, but there has been evidence in recent years that the electronic devices cause similar damage to the body.