According to a government survey of more than 17,000 people, smoking rates across Australia have fallen to a historic low, but the findings seem to contradict a 40 per cent rise in nicotine levels reported by the Australian Bureau of Statistics last month.

Press PLAY to hear Laura Hunter clear up the discrepancy

Australian Council on Smoking and Health chief executive Laura Hunter told 6PR Mornings host Simon Beaumont she wanted to clear up the discrepancy.

“When we know that these illicit nicotine products are highly potent, so even one vape can contain the nicotine equivalent of nine packets of cigarettes it links really clearly into the ABS data”, she said.

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