Vaping ‘safer alternative’
Vaping is about to become a government-recommended way for smokers to quit cigarettes.
Despite being increasingly banned in public places, the use of e-cigarettes will soon be promoted as a safer alternative to smoking by the Ministry of Health.
A campaign encouraging smokers, and particularly young Ma¯ori women, to make the switch will be launched in August and a New Zealand-specific website offering vaping information and tips will go live this month.
While the campaign pushes vaping as a way to quit, it will also aim to stop non-smokers, particularly those under the age of 18, from picking up the electronic devices.
The campaign marks a change in position for the Ministry of Health which has been cautious in its stance on vaping as a tool for would-be quitters. Currently its website says it ‘‘does not have enough evidence to recommend vaping products confidently as a smoking-cessation tool’’ and that people who choose to vape should eventually stop that as well.
A spokesman said Ma¯ ori women were a focus due to their high smoking rate: 32.5 per cent, compared with the total rate of 13.8 per cent.
‘‘There is scientific consensus that vaping is significantly less harmful than smoking. It is likely vaping can also be used to stop smoking but the evidence is still emerging. A number of large studies are under way and more information will be available over the next year.’’
The country’s smokefree target of 2025 was always going to be challenging. ‘‘Although the programme has had good impact on reducing harm from tobacco for most New Zealanders, the impact for Ma¯ ori, Pacific and low socio-economic groups hasn’t been as significant.’’ A spokesman for Smokefree watchdog Ash, Ben Youden, said: ‘‘The scientific consensus is vaping is 95 per cent less harmful than smoking cigarettes.’’ While the initial outlay for equipment could vary from $50 to $100, the financial benefits quickly made up for it.
‘‘Over a year, vaping will cost about 10 per cent of what that person would have spent on cigarettes.’’ Although Youden welcomed the ministry’s new stance, one recent quitter questioned the effectiveness of swapping one habit for another.
After nearly 60 years of smoking and numerous attempts at quitting, Gaynor Fiske has been smoke-free for nearly a year but said vaping was more a hindrance than a help.
‘‘You’re still puffing away, still looking for a corner to hide around, if you don’t break that habit you don’t stand a chance.’’
Wellington man Dan Foster started vaping a decade ago and said the switch from cigarettes saved money and appeared to resolve some health problems. ‘‘I used to get a really bad sinus infection every three months – that’s totally gone away.’’
While his daily pack of cigarettes used to set him back about $17, he now spends a weekly maximum of $35 on vape fluid.
‘‘It’s probably not 100 per cent safe – inhaling anything is not good. But it’s definitely better for you. People have vices: they’re going to do it, so give them a safe way to smoke.’’