It’s not It’s not “just water”

These days it seems like vaping is everywhere, but how much do we really know about e-cigarettes, vapes and e-juices, and are they as safe as we think?

Coinciding with the beginning of the new school year, the Foundation recently launched a new vaping education campaign ‘Don’t Get Sucked In’, to educate youth about the adverse health effects of e-cigarettes and vaping.

The campaign was launched in response to recent requests from schools across New Zealand for vaping education material to curb the growing trend of teen vaping.

Letitia Harding, CE of ARFNZ says that “there are concerns from health organisations, educators, and medical professionals around the rapid uptake in youth vaping. For example, many young people believe that vaping is harmless or is just water, but we now know there are health risks. Don’t Get Sucked In will give young people the tools and information to make an educated decision."

The Don’t Get Sucked In campaign challenges students to find out if they have been ‘sucked in’ to some common misconceptions counter-balance the dialogue surrounding vaping within New Zealand, and bring to light some of the potential health risks vaping devices can have.

Richard Dykes, President of the Auckland Secondary Schools Principals Association and Principal of Glendowie College, says that too many young people believe vaping is safe. “I and other principals greatly value the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation stepping into the void that has been allowed to occur in the tobacco and vaping industry,” says Richard.

“Vaping has been promoted as a smoking cessation strategy, but the impact on our rangatahi has been ignored, and this campaign addresses that. It’s pleasing to hear a New Zealand voice that will help educate our young people."

The campaign consists of an informational website, social media channels and downloadable printables that are continually updated as research progresses.

Visit dontgetsuckedin.co.nz to check out the campaign so far.

Have you been sucked in? Take the quiz!

What is a vape cloud made of?

A: Unicorn dreams

B: Water vapour

C: Synthetic aerosol

When heated, vape ingredients can...

A: Get more powerful

B: Create bigger vape clouds

C: Transform into toxic compounds

What does e-juice largely contain?

A: Water

B: Flavour

C: Solvents

If an ingredient is safe to eat, is it safe to vape?

A: Yes, of course

B: Maybe, I’m not sure?

C: No, breathing is different to eating

5. Is the vaping industry regulated?

A: Yes, it’s the law

B: Only the bigger companies are

C: No, regulations are on the way but not in force yet

Can some vape flavours cause health problems?

A: Of course not - it’s just flavoured water

B: Yes, but only when vaped incorrectly

C: Yes, some vape ingredients can be harmful

Answered mainly c’s?

Congratulations, you haven’t been sucked in! Head to dontgetsuckedin.co.nz to find out more