New Zealand Anti-Smoking Website Criticized for Misrepresenting E-Cigarettes

The "Quit Vaping" website was established by the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation of New Zealand (ARFNZ), but unfortunately, it fails to provide all scientific facts related to electronic cigarettes. In a recent press release, the Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) revealed that it had examined the website and sadly found that "while the website focuses on the science, it fails to provide a comprehensive picture of electronic cigarettes.

The homepage of the anti-electronic cigarette website reads "Do not smoke.

To make matters worse, the website has continued to make false claims about the safety of electronic cigarettes, potentially spreading misinformation to the public and preventing smokers from switching to safer alternatives.

Loucas emphasized that New Zealand's tobacco harm reduction strategy is actually working, but unfortunately, ARANZ's actions go against this progress. "New Zealand has implemented an effective tobacco harm reduction (THR) strategy, and the country's overall smoking rates are at their lowest levels in history. With the government refocusing on the Smokefree Aotearoa 2025 plan, it's unfortunate that ARFNZ is working hard to prevent the remaining smokers from transitioning to safer alternatives," she said.

Lucas mentioned claims about hazardous chemicals found in vapor. These misleading statements include the notion that nicotine harms the brains of adolescents, children, and fetuses. Additionally, e-cigarette vapor may potentially contain harmful substances such as formaldehyde, carcinogenic chemicals, and heavy metals. Children and adults could become poisoned by ingesting e-liquid or absorbing it through their skin or eyes. Furthermore, e-cigarettes have been linked to thousands of cases of severe lung damage.

If any of these claims are combined, do you think the New Zealand Ministry of Health would actively encourage smokers, including pregnant women, to switch to e-cigarettes as an effective smoking cessation tool?

These claims have been debunked by science.

She added that countless scientific studies reviewed by peers and recognition from globally renowned health organizations, such as the NHS, completely refute these claims.

Compared to the deadly effects of smoking, the website for electronic cigarettes provides some appropriate background information. However, it does not mention that no New Zealanders have reportedly died from using electronic cigarettes, nor does it acknowledge the English Public Health Department's firm stance that the hazards of vaping are 95% lower than those of smoking combustible cigarettes.

Let us fight with facts instead of fueling emotions. ARFNZ is creating an non-existent hysteria. They claim to be running an education campaign, but it is merely political persecution," she concluded.

Statement:

This article is compiled based on third-party information and is intended for industry communication and learning purposes.

This article does not represent the viewpoint of 2FIRSTS, and 2FIRSTS cannot confirm the authenticity or accuracy of the article's content. The translation of this article is solely for exchange and research within the industry.

Due to limitations in the translator's proficiency, the translated article may not fully reflect the original expression. Please refer to the original text for accuracy.

2FIRSTS maintains complete alignment with the Chinese government on any domestic, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, or foreign-related statements and positions.

Copyright of compiled information belongs to the original media and author. If there is any infringement, please contact us for deletion.