HMN 2025: What is the call for urgent action on vape device design

A University of Otago–?t?kou Whakaihu Waka researcher is calling for urgent and targeted regulatory action towards vaping, as her recent research shows the discreet design of vaping devices has fostered vaping normalization and uptake among young M?ori.

Dr. Robin Quigg of the Department of Preventive and Social Medicine investigated the context of vaping use among young M?ori in what is believed to be the first kaupapa M?ori study (using group interviews within a kaupapa M?ori framework) published in the peer-reviewed journal Nicotine & Tobacco Research.

Participants, most of whom were aged between 18 and 26 years, more than half had never smoked, but used vapes currently or had previously, reported vape use as easy to conceal, as the devices were small and inconspicuous; these features, together with nicotine addiction, encouraged on-going vaping.

“Our findings suggest the design of vaping devices, particularly their discreteness, has fostered vaping’s normalization and continuing uptake by young people,” Dr. Quigg says.

“It was normalized to vape anywhere, particularly inside public buildings, such as libraries, club rooms and lecture theaters. It was made easy by the design and features of the devices, with their compact size, either lack of or sweet odor and discreet vapor production. Simultaneously, the nicotine content drove the need to vape inside and out.

“There is a need for urgent and targeted regulatory action regarding vaping devices. Current policy struggles to keep pace with the evolving nature of nicotine products in Aotearoa New Zealand.”

Based on her research, Dr. Quigg suggests policy makers should consider introducing stricter regulations on vape device design; for example, mandating larger device sizes, designs that are more therapeutic than lifestyle, and flavors that give rise to more pungent and less appealing odors.

“These attributes would reduce vape devices’ concealability and reinforce the integrity of indoor environments such as libraries, lecture theaters and bars, as well as outdoor places that have smoke-free status, such as urup?, marae grounds and playgrounds.”

However, the research also concludes that stricter regulation on vaping devices alone will not adequately protect young people. “Instead, stronger measures must be implemented to reduce the appeal of vaping.”