The long-term health concerns raised by vaping continue to unfold. The latest example comes from cancer researchers in Australia, who warn of a likely link to lung and oral cancer and urge governments to act now. Hong Kong health authorities, rightly, are not waiting for definitive evidence of the risk to emerge as this may take many years.

Thursday was the first day of a new ban on the use of tobacco alternatives in public areas, including the first penalties against vaping offenders. Anyone found carrying more than five vape pods or 100 heat sticks in public faces a maximum fine of HK$50,000 (US$6,400) and up to six months in jail, while those with smaller quantities will receive a fixed penalty of HK$3,000, in line with that for smoking tobacco in public places. The city has banned the sale of vapes since 2022. A full vaping ban is also being considered.

Some Hongkongers were still vaping in hidden corners, despite the new ban. Alternative smoking products include e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, designed to mimic conventional smoking. “We will issue penalty tickets without warning, and step up publicity in high-traffic areas such as business districts,” Dr Manny Lam Man-chung, head of the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office, said.

The new ban follows news of a fractional reduction in Hong Kong’s smoking rate from 9.1 per cent of people aged 15 and up to 8.5 per cent. Quit campaigners savour such small incremental victories but some users are sceptical of the effectiveness of the latest deterrents.

Cancer researchers led by the University of New South Wales in Australia analysed evidence from animal studies, human case reports and laboratory research to assess whether nicotine e-cigarettes could cause cancer. Co-author Professor Bernard Stewart said early warning signs included DNA damage and inflammation. The review was published in the journal Carcinogenesis.

There are fears of vaping being forced underground, undermining the health benefits of the new laws. But the paramount aim is to further protect young people from developing a smoking habit. Senior health and medical officer Dr Grace Wong Chung-yan has said previously that young people who vape are three or four times more likely to use cigarettes in the future.