Saying no: New Zealand is moving towards gradually outlawing all cigarette sales in a generational ban, to create a ‘smoke-free generation.’ — Filepic/The Star
Unfortunately, New Zealand’s law does not apply to e-cigarettes or vaping, which is increasing in popularity among youths. The reasoning is that e-cigarettes are less damaging and can be used to help people quit smoking. Nonetheless, e-cigarettes also contain dangerous substances like nicotine, and its use has been linked to chronic diseases. The World Health Organisation has also warned that all forms of tobacco, including heated tobacco products used for vaping, are harmful.
The rationale behind the generation ban is that while existing smokers are given assistance to quit smoking, efforts are put in place to prevent uptake among new users, Dr Helmy says. FCTC Article 5.3 emphasises vigilance and a need to protect public health from the tobacco industry’s strategies that challenge new and weaken existing tobacco control measures and life-saving policies.