In New Zealand, the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation recently declared that electronic cigarettes were not a silver bullet to eradicate smoking, criticizing in passing the speech of some experts on the subject.
ARFNZ DOESN'T WANT TO FOLLOW THE BRITISH TREND IN VAPING!
According to Asthma and Respiratory Foundation New Zealand, the electronic cigarette would not be a miracle solution to fight against smoking. These comments echo comments from the Prof. Marewa Glover who took the liberty of highlighting vaping devices in the media last week.
The foundation therefore decided to warn the general public that there was no real proof that the use of electronic cigarettes could reduce the number of smokers.
Stuart Jones, ARFNZ medical director and president of the Thoracic Society said he was aware that some people who struggle with smoking may use e-cigarettes for simplicity. However, he specifies that e-cigarettes should only be available to people who are part of a smoking cessation follow-up program.
« What we don't want is for our younger generation to use e-cigarettes or vaping thinking they are not harmful because we don't have enough information on the long term effects of these products."
The point of view of Asthma and Respiratory Foundation was in agreement with the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS), which wanted a review of health and safety claims regarding electronic devices dispensing nicotine.
FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE OF THE UNITED KINGDOM TO REDUCE SMOKING
Si Asthma and Respiratory Foundation wanted to communicate this is mainly to respond to the allegations of Marewa Glover, professor of public health at Massey University.
Last week, the latter told Newshub that she really believes smoking rates can go down if New Zealand follows the UK trend and encourages smokers to switch to e-cigarettes by subsidizing it.
«These new products without combustion are much less harmful, if you give to each smoker, smoking rates will go downShe said.
In New Zealand, the Ministry of Health is currently monitoring the use of electronic cigarettes, the health impact including long term effects. The point is clearly to find out if they actually help smokers to quit smoking.
