As we observe World ‘No Tobacco’ Day on May 31, it’s time to delve into the vaping versus smoking debate – a pivotal health conversation of our times. Through our partnership with Allen Carr’s Easyway programme, we are committed to guiding New Zealanders towards healthier lifestyle choices, particularly by enhancing understanding of the impact these choices have on wellbeing.
Understanding the basics
Vaping involves heating a liquid to produce an aerosol, inhaled by the user. This method delivers nicotine without the harmful process of burning tobacco, potentially offering a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, which release nicotine through combustion which is linked to numerous smoking-related deaths.
Health implications
The case against smoking
The dangers of smoking are well-documented. According to Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Hospital, smoking adversely affects nearly every organ in the body and is a significant contributor to heart disease-related deaths. The combustion of tobacco generates thousands of chemicals, many toxic, leading to various health issues.
Vaping: a lesser evil?
Vaping is often viewed as a less harmful alternative to smoking. E-cigarettes don’t burn tobacco, avoiding many of the toxic substances found in cigarette smoke. However, vaping carries its own risks, including exposure to harmful substances like diacetyl, heavy metals, and carcinogens. The long-term health effects of vaping are still largely unknown.
Research from Johns Hopkins Medicine found that while vaping exposes users to fewer toxic chemicals than smoking, it has been linked to lung injuries and deaths, particularly among those using black market products or modifying devices. Nicotine, highly addictive and present in both e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes, poses risks to heart health by raising blood pressure and adrenaline levels.
The youth dilemma
A concerning trend is the growing popularity of e-cigarettes among young people. Data from an Action for Smokefree Year 10 Snapshot Survey shows a surge in daily vaping among rangatahi / young people between 2019 and 2021, coupled with a decline in daily cigarette smoking rates among the same demographic.
The American Heart Association and other health organisations view e-cigarette use by youth as a significant public health threat. Nicotine can harm the developing brains of children, adolescents, and foetuses in pregnant women who vape.
Regulatory perspective and recommendations
Given the complexities and evolving evidence surrounding vaping and smoking, international regulatory bodies and health organisations advocate for a cautious approach. They recommend stronger regulations for e-cigarettes, such as their inclusion in smoke-free laws, regulating and taxing them like other tobacco products, and enforcing minimum age requirements for sales.
Understanding New Zealand’s e-cigarette regulations
Effective from December 2023, New Zealand has implemented regulations on the sale of e-cigarettes and vaping products to mitigate their appeal to children and young people, and address public health concerns. These include requirements for removable batteries in single-use (disposable) vaping products.
Despite this, some health professionals in New Zealand are calling for the government to place greater focus on youth vaping. The Health Coalition Aotearoa’s Smokefree Expert Advisory Group has expressed concerns that the measures, including the ban on disposable vapes, may not effectively curb youth vaping as intended. They argue that these measures do not address the core issues, such as the wide availability of vapes and the need for stronger enforcement of existing laws.
Embrace freedom from smoking and vaping
AIA Vitality is partnered with Allen Carr’s Easyway to Stop Smoking programme, offering a unique quitting approach. Unlike traditional methods, Allen Carr’s programme focuses on freeing individuals from addiction by changing their perspective towards smoking and vaping. This scientifically proven method is available at no cost for AIA Vitality members, ensuring a journey towards freedom without relying solely on willpower.
While vaping may offer a less harmful alternative for smokers attempting to quit, it comes with its own set of risks and is not recommended for non-smokers, children, or young adults. The most significant health benefits are observed when individuals cease all forms of smoking.
As we explore the complex landscape of vaping versus smoking, continuous research and public education are crucial to ensure informed health decisions.
Want help to quit vaping or smoking?
Quitline is open 24/7 and can help you quit in a number of different ways. You can ring, text, email, or do it all online.
Call Quitline free on 0800 778 778 or text 4006.
Visit: Quitline website
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Article by: AIA Vitality Staff Writer
Staff writers come from a range of backgrounds including health, wellbeing, music, tech, culture and the arts. They spend their time researching the latest data and trends in the health market to deliver up-to-date information, helping everyday New Zealanders live healthier, longer, better lives.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as financial, medical, health, nutritional, tax or other advice. It does not take into account any individual’s personal situation or needs. You should consider obtaining professional advice from a financial adviser and/or tax specialist, or medical or health practitioner, in relation to your own circumstances and before acting on this information.
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