Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ, along with other lung health organizations, is recommending a prohibition on disposable vaping devices in New Zealand, following a similar ban in Australia. Disposable vapes are often attractive to younger users, who can develop a dependence on nicotine. Current published evidence on the efficacy of vaping as a smoking cessation aid is limited. Asthma and Respiratory Foundation suggests making vapes available only by prescription to allow for more wrap-around support for smokers. Nicotine levels in all products, the organization recommends, should be capped at 20 milligrams.

Australia’s Vaping Crackdown

The recent vaping crackdown in Australia includes a ban on all single-use disposable vapes, limiting the sale of vapes to pharmacies and requiring pharmaceutical-like packaging for vapes sold, with the banning of certain flavors, colors, and ingredients associated with e-cigarette dependence. The concentration and volume of nicotine will be reduced, and non-prescription vapes will be prohibited. The federal government will also collaborate with states and territories to prevent sales of vapes in non-pharmaceutical retail settings.

Prescription-Only Model Recommended

The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ recommends a prescription-only model for vaping aids in New Zealand, with wrap-around support and counseling from healthcare professionals to give up smoking. Nicotine levels should be lower to support smokers in quitting, with a cap at 20 milligrams. Health Minister Dr. Ayesha Verrall is seeking regulatory measures to reduce vaping’s appeal to young people and establish vape shop proximity restrictions. She acknowledges a need to balance the therapeutic value of vaping with potential e-cigarette dependence issues.

Vaporizers and Lung Health

Dr. Letitia Harding, Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ CEO, explains that vaping negatively impacts respiratory health, making users more vulnerable to infections, exacerbating breathing difficulties and exposing lungs to toxic chemicals. While vaping may confer benefits for current cigarette smokers seeking to quit smoking, more research is required to establish the safety and efficacy of vaping as a smoking cessation aid