Source: Asthma and Respiratory Foundation
New Zealand health organisations are backing a World Health Organization push to remove flavours from nicotine products, saying sweet, fruity, confectionery-style flavours are undermining efforts to protect young people from addiction and disease.
Kia Manawanui Trust – The Heart of Aotearoa and the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ have welcomed the call, which comes amid growing concern about the impact vaping can have on both respiratory and cardiovascular health.
The WHO says flavours such as bubble gum, cotton candy and menthol are helping drive nicotine addiction among young people by masking the harshness of tobacco and nicotine products and making them more appealing to experiment with.
Countries such as Belgium, Denmark and Lithuania have already moved to restrict flavoured nicotine products, with the WHO now calling on other governments to take similar action.
Foundation and Trust Chief Executive Ms Letitia Harding says flavours have become one of the industry’s most effective tools for attracting young people to products that carry health risks.
“These products are being marketed as fun, colourful and harmless, but that’s not what the evidence tells us.
“We are seeing growing concern internationally about the impact inhaled flavouring chemicals can have on the lungs, airways and cardiovascular system.”
Research has found some flavouring used in e-cigarettes can damage blood vessel cells and disrupt normal heart rhythms. Other studies have linked vaping to airway inflammation, respiratory symptoms and reduced lung function.
Heart disease is New Zealand’s leading causes of death, while respiratory illness affects 1 in 5 Kiwis.
Policymakers should be asking a simple question, Ms Harding says.
“What public health purpose is served by a nicotine product that tastes like a lolly?
“The answer is none,” she says.
“Young people often see the flavour and not the risk.”
While there are some flavour restrictions in New Zealand, it doesn’t go far enough, she says.
“The reality is tamariki can still get their hands on vapes with enticing flavours such as sour raspberry, strawberry watermelon and tropical sweet.”
The Foundation and Trust are urging the Government to support stronger restrictions on flavoured nicotine products and prioritise the long-term health of children and young people.
“Food industry flavours may be fine for the stomach, but that is totally different to inhaling them” Ms Harding says.
“Supplying a wide range of vape flavours for current smokers shouldn’t come at the expense of our tamariki – they deserve maximum protection from these products.”