Government moved too slowly on regulating e-cigarettes, lead respiratory doc warns

A lead respiratory doctor is warning that too many New Zealanders are vaping, wrongly believing e-cigarettes are safe.

Dr Stuart Jones, from Middlemore Hospital, says doctors have been gathering for regular meetings this year, and vaping is often brought up.

“There seems to be a common misconception that vaping is safe on the airways and this is most certainly not true,” he says.

Vaping was legalised in New Zealand early last year – seen as a safer alternative to smoking.

But Dr Jones cautions it still comes with health risks, which include damaging airways, causing inflammation and loss of lung function.

“[E-cigarettes] may be better than smoking… but when you consider that’s the most destructive consumer product ever introduced into the country, it’s not a massive hurdle to get over,” says Dr Jones.

While it’s illegal for those under 18 to buy e-cigarettes, the market is unregulated.

The latest statistics show 28 per cent of teenagers have tried e-cigarettes, and in the United States authorities appear to be regretting their relaxed stance on vaping.
READ MORE: https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/government-moved-too-slowly-regulating-e-cigarettes-lead-respiratory-doc-warns?utm_variant=taboola_visible_1

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