Advocacy group says vape product testing urgently needs to be increased
Photo:
Supplied / Ministry of Health
An advocacy groups says the frequency and scope of testing vape products urgently needs to be increased.
The Ministry of Health has issued a warning for Suntree - Vanilla Cream (30ml), which it said contains too much of a chemical associated with an inflammatory lung disease called 'popcorn lung'.
It said the level of flavour compound diacetyl is four times above the allowed limit.
Vape-Free Kids NZ co-founder Charyl Robinson said it was "incredibly worrying" that a product which posed such a
high risk to people's health
was able to be sold.
"It's entirely a game of chance to know if a dangerous product is being sold possibly to hundreds of people. This product has been on the market for over a year and a half and we're only finding out now. The irreversible damage it may have caused to people's lungs in that time could be severe," she said.
Vape-Free Kids NZ co-founder Charyl Robinson.
Photo:
Supplied
The notifier, Hoopers Vapour Ltd, was undertaking a consumer level recall to remove the product from sale in stores. Around 300 had been sold in the past 17 months.
The regulatory framework under the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990 does not require pre-market testing or approval.
Vaping product manufacturers and importers notify the Ministry about their products and provide information about how their products meet safety standards.
"The system relies on the tobacco and vaping industry to honestly declare their products are safe and provide their own testing data when they notify a product for sale," said Robinson.
"Regular checking and testing by the Ministry of Health is only undertaken on less than three percent of the overall number of vapes and e-liquids for sale. Given anyone can mix up some ingredients together in their garage and sell it as e-liquid for people to breathe into their lungs just shows how much of a risk these products can pose."
Robinson said there were currently 7000 vaping products available for sale in New Zealand.
"It's proving near impossible to keep track of what chemicals and additives these products contain and if products out there are actually safe."
RNZ has approached the Ministry of Health for comment.
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