Latest news with #youthVaping
RNZ News
15-06-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Disposable vape ban and strict advertising rules begin - What you need to know
Disposable vapes and many kinds of advertising will be banned for vape retailers from Tuesday. Photo: RNZ Explainer - Disposable vape fans will see their habit go up in smoke from Tuesday, as tough new vape rules kick in . Here's what you need to know about changes to vape sales and advertising. The distribution, manufacture, sale and supply of disposable vapes is being banned from Tuesday. "We are getting rid of vapes that are most popular among young people, and that can only be positive," Associate Health Minister Casey Costello said in announcing the changes last year . The 2023/24 NZ Health Survey found 10.5 percent of people aged 15 to 17 vaped daily. However, pod-style vaping devices will still be sold. They contain pre-filled pods which are swapped out to refill the vape. Also as of Tuesday, vaping devices, products and packaging can no longer be displayed at general retailers. Specialist vape stores must not display products in any way that makes them visible from outside their place of business - that includes advertising, display in online stores and in vending machines. There are also many new restrictions on advertising to promote or encourage the use of vaping products, including to existing customers. The new raft of advertising restrictions mean businesses could face a $2000 infringement fine. For instance, the government says it would violate the new regulations if a shop is advertising or posting about vaping products on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Google business listings. "From the 17th June we will no longer be able to show images of the products," one online vape retailer says on its website. There's quite a lot of detail in the new advertising rules and a full breakdown can be found on Health New Zealand's website . Also as of Tuesday, vaping specialist retailers can no longer use various promotional techniques such as giving away free vaping products, discounts, offering rewards, cash rebates or gifts for the purchase of vaping products, or offer lotteries or games to people who buy vaping products. Vape stores can no longer display their products in a way that's visible outside their business. Photo: 123RF Yes, as part of the series of changes to the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990 last year. The new changes are the second line of alterations which began coming into effect in December. As of December, fines for selling to minors and publishing prohibited advertisements were increased, and new vape speciality stores were forbidden from opening within 100 metres of early childhood education centres. There were already location restrictions saying speciality vape stores had to be at least 300 metres from schools or marae. In introducing the amendments to smoking regulations last year, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello said , "New Zealand was too slow to effectively regulate vaping, and youth vaping rates are too high". "We have collectively agreed that, we have recognised that, and we know that we can do better. We have to stop young people from taking it up as a habit." The ban on disposable vapes was put off for six months to allow retailers to prepare for the changes. Jonathan Devery, chair of the Vaping Industry Association of New Zealand, said the group does support the disposable vapes ban, with a few caveats. He said while VIANZ "supports the intent behind the policy - to reduce youth access and address the environmental impact of single-use products - the association is urging caution about the potential unintended consequences". University of Otago public health professor Janet Hoek, a leading researcher into vaping, said whether or not the ban will make a difference will depend on enforcement and product innovation by the industry. "I would expect [the ban] to reduce youth vaping given young people are very price sensitive," Hoek said. "However, if the industry responds, as I think it is likely to do, by introducing cheaper pod vapes, the impact will be much less limited than we might hope." "They're not a straightforward replacement," Devery said. "There's a real risk that removing the most convenient smoking cessation option could drive consumers back to cigarettes." Hoek said many manufacturers may look for loopholes they can exploit with bans. "Disposable vapes are typically inexpensive [i.e., may cost less than $10 a device], so the vaping industry may respond by introducing new lower priced reusable vapes," Hoek said, saying she had seen pod starter kits - without pods, which cost extra - being advertised for under $10. "We saw this behaviour among tobacco companies as they tried to undermine the impact of increased tobacco excise taxes [they 'shifted' the tax to higher priced brands, away from lower priced brands and introduced entirely new brands to create a new 'super value' partition within the market]." Devery of VIANZ said it's possible some vape sales may just go underground. "There are also serious concerns about enforcement," he said. "Early warnings from the UK, where a disposable vape ban came into effect on 1 June, suggest black market sales are likely to increase." Hoek said there is a lot of concern that manufacturers may find ways around disposable bans - she pointed to 'Big Puff' high-capacity throwaway vapes that have drawn concern in the UK with their own disposables ban. Several countries have now banned disposable vapes. Photo: Unsplash "We have consistently called for a full ban on disposable vapes, rather than incremental technical fixes, and we welcome the environmental benefits it will bring," Devery said. "But the transition must be managed carefully to avoid driving consumers back to smoking or into unregulated markets." The industry group feels that some of the advertising restrictions may ultimately harm consumers and make it harder for retailers to interact with them. "Many retailers, especially online, have relied on clear product information and guidance to help adults make informed choices," Devery said. "New restrictions will limit what can be communicated, making it harder for consumers to understand available options or find support to switch." "Retailers are still recovering from last year's rushed regulations that left them with unsellable stock and high compliance costs - from updating websites to in-store signage," he said. Many retailers have discounted their products heavily before the bans take effect. Hoek said she thought the new measures would help cut youth vaping, but more strategy was needed. "There are many omissions from the measures (e.g., the high concentration of vape stores in lower income communities; the location of vape stores right next to schools). I would favour a more proactive strategy that reduced the appeal, availability, addictiveness and affordability of vaping products." One of the key complaints about disposable vapes have been the waste they generate, Devery said. "Removing disposables will help cut vape-related e-waste by over 80 percent according to our industry estimates, but more must be done," he said. "VIANZ recommends expanded take-back schemes like VapeCycle, producer-responsibility regulations, and better consumer education on safe disposal." "I would favour a 'polluter pays' model, where vape companies are responsible for the costs their products create," Hoek said. "Vape companies have been given clear rules to follow, and yet some are already looking for loopholes," Asthma and Respiratory Foundation chief executive Letitia Harding said in a statement . Associate Health Minister Casey Costello. Photo: Nick Monro/RNZ Back in 2011, New Zealand's government set the goal of a Smokefree New Zealand by 2025. There have been concerns that goal is falling short , with particular worries about Māori and Pasifika smoking rates. Costello has maintained the government's changes will continue work toward the target. "We do not want our young people vaping," Costello said in Parliament. "We do not want them taking up this habit. We do not want them to be nicotine addicted. We also don't want anybody taking up tobacco and smoking." The current smokefree goal aims to have less than 5 percent of the population smoking by December, but the latest data reveals there are still about 300,000 daily smokers - 6.9 percent of adults - across the country. "VIANZ urges the government to closely monitor the ban's impact on smoking rates, particularly among priority groups, and ensure regulations don't inadvertently harm those most vulnerable," Deverey said. "Vaping regulation must be viewed in the context of the devastating harm caused by smoking, which kills two out of every three users." "Strong rules and environmental responsibility are essential, but the broader goal must remain to reduce smoking and improve public health outcomes." Hoek said it's important vaping retailers were brought along on that goal. "People who sell vaping products should be able to help people switch successfully from smoking to vaping," she said. "We also need to let people know that, once they have switched completely to vaping and no longer think there's a risk they would return to smoking, they should stop vaping. "That latter message isn't [for obvious reasons] communicated by vaping companies or retailers." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
The Sun
08-06-2025
- Science
- The Sun
Households warned over common vape mistake that can cause ‘ferocious' toxic fires that are nearly impossible to put out
VAPERS have been warned over a common mistake that could cause their devices to erupt into "ferocious" toxic fires. The lithium batteries inside vapes can have a severe chemical reaction if the devices are treated recklessly, fire safety experts have warned. 6 6 6 Throwing them around or dropping them too much can damage the batteries over time. 'Given we commonly keep smaller vapes in our pockets, if they fail and catch fire it's not uncommon to see serious burns as a result," Giuseppe Capanna, product safety expert at charity Electrical Safety First, told The Sun. "If a vape is substandard, exposed to high temperatures, short circuits or becomes damaged, it risks causing a toxic fire caused by a chemical reaction inside the battery cells. "This process, called thermal runway, creates ferocious fires releasing a large amount of energy in a short space of time." It's also important to use the right charging cable, and avoid leaving a vape in high temperatures or submerged in water. "If you own a vape it's really important you treat it with care, avoid carelessly throwing it around which may cause the battery inside to become damaged over time," explained Capanna. "Ensure you use a compatible charger for your device and keep it away from areas where it may be exposed to high temperatures or risk coming into contact with water." It follows a government ban on single-use vapes, primarily due to environmental concerns and a rise in youth vaping. Since 1 June 2025, businesses have had to stop selling or supplying all single-use or 'disposable' vapes. As well as being an eyesore, littered vapes - both single-use and reusable - can also be a fire risk. They also introduce harmful chemicals into the soil, rivers and streams, so it's "vital" they are recycled, according to Capanna. "Incorrectly disposing of your vape in your household bin risks it becoming crushed when being processed in the back of the lorry, triggering waste collection fires that release toxic fumes," he said. "When your vape comes to the end of its life, either check if your local retailer offers a take back scheme to safely hand in your battery, or find your nearest recycling centre that will accept battery powered devices." 6 The London Fire Brigade has warned that here has been an uptick in vape-related fires across the UK, due to the devices being incorrectly thrown away in normal waste. When the lithium batteries become crushed in waste collection vehicles on their way to the landfill they can spark fires. Lithium batteries store a lot of energy in a small space and although lithium-ion battery products that have been built to a poor standard are a higher fire risk, any battery is at risk of exploding and catching fire if it has been crushed or becomes damaged. London Fire Brigade A London Fire Brigade spokesperson told The Sun: "Fires involving vapes can occur when the lithium-ion batteries that power them fail or become damaged or crushed. "Lithium batteries store a lot of energy in a small space and although lithium-ion battery products that have been built to a poor standard are a higher fire risk, any battery is at risk of exploding and catching fire if it has been crushed or becomes damaged. "When lithium-ion battery fires happen, they can be ferocious and can spread in seconds." Between 2020 to 2024, the London Fire Brigade was called out to 41 vape-related fires, occurring in homes, shops, and even hospitals. Six fire engines and approximately 40 firefighters were dispatched to tackle a blaze at a shop in Harlesden in August 2024, which was believed to have been sparked by a faulty vape's lithium battery. Photos provided by the London Fire Brigade show blackened rooms blanketed with ash. 6 In April 2024, a day ward at Hampstead hospital was left damaged after the lithium battery in a rechargeable vape exploded in a visitor's bag. Another photo from the brigade shows a South London home ravaged by a vape-related fire. A bedroom has been reduced to ashes, with all contents inside obliterated. Another risky mistake is to charge vapes by the bed or sofa. Glenn Flannery, commercial director at fire alarm systems provider Spy Alarms, warned that this is a "definite no-no". "These devices often come without standards such as CE or ISO marking and therefore fall into a similar risk bracket as things like e-scooters. "However, due to their size and nature, we often find them being charged by the bed or the sofa... The primary fire hazard linked to vapes is their lithium-ion batteries, which can fail catastrophically if damaged, improperly charged, or poorly manufactured." REDUCE THE RISK According to Spy Alarm, households should take the following precautions to reduce the risk of a vape-related fire: Use only the charger supplied with the vape or one recommended by the manufacturer. Avoid charging overnight or while unattended. Most vape-related fires happen when people are asleep or away. Regularly inspect the device and battery for signs of damage, bulging, or leakage. Buy vape devices and batteries from reputable suppliers. Avoid counterfeit or unbranded products. Don't modify the device or attempt DIY repairs. Stop using the device if it gets excessively hot during use or charging. Unplug chargers when not in use. Install working smoke alarms on every floor of the home and test them regularly. Do not carry loose batteries in your pocket or bag. Use a battery case to prevent accidental short circuits. Store vape batteries in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. 6
BBC News
04-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Disposable vapes ban welcomed by West country shop owners
A vape shop owner says the long-term impact of the new disposable vape ban will be seen in years to ban on the sale of single-use disposable vapes was introduced on Sunday, aimed at protecting children's health and the King, from Vapers Online in Street, Somerset, said he welcomes the ban and told the BBC he believes it has already started to make an impact."You're not seeing as many batteries on the street," he said. "In a year or so you're definitely going to see a big impact." The new ban means that shops and supermarkets will no longer be able to sell disposable vapes but they can sell rechargeable or refillable it is illegal to sell vapes to anyone under 18, disposable vapes, often sold in smaller, more colourful packaging have been cited as an important factor in the rise of youth one in seven 18 to 24-year-olds vape but have never King, who has worked in the vaping industry for around 20 years, said young people may be more likely to take up smoking due to the "smoother" experience vaping provides, compared to he said he does not believe the colourful packaging is what has caused many young people to take up vaping. "There's plenty of flashy packaging all over the place," he said."We see it in our supermarkets with alcohol, with everything." Tara, who works in a Bristol vape shop, said: "When they first came out on the market, I felt like they were aimed at young children."All too often, I've seen young children with them, and trying to come into the shop to buy them as well."I actually had a parent come in here and ask for a box of disposable vapes for his child to take to school and sell. I've got kids of my own [and I thought] that's just disgusting." Ministers predict the ban will have a significant impact but health experts say further regulation is needed to tackle youth Jasmine Khouja, from the University of Bristol's tobacco and alcohol research group, has been looking at the impact the ban will said that there are concerns that some young people will buy illicit vapes instead, which are more likely to contain dangerous metals and Khouja said their research also shows that some people are likely to take up smoking again."They feel that smoking is more disgusting, [therefore] it's harder to get to enjoy than vapes."Because of that reason, they feel it will be easier to quit smoking than vaping and we know from history, that is really not true."However, she said the ban will be a "big win" for the environment."Around eight million vapes were thrown away last year. That led to about the same amount of lithium that you could power 10,000 cars." Siobhan Farmer, Gloucestershire's director of public health, said vaping has been an important tool for people trying to quit she said it is only useful for adults quitting smoking, as vapes do not have the harmful chemicals associated with burning tobacco."If you're not a smoker, or you're a child and you take up vaping, we can't guarantee that those products are going to be safe."We haven't had vapes on the market long enough to understand what the long-term impacts to our lungs and particularly developing brains," she explained.
BBC News
31-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Disposable vape ban: Help young vapers and don't judge, Liverpool medic says
Parents should help young people quit vaping by offering "support - not judgement", a hospital consultant has said as a ban on the sale and supply of disposable vapes comes into force on government hopes the ban will curb littering and cut down youth vaping, which has increased despite it being illegal to sell the products to under-18s. Professor Rachel Isba, from Alder Hey Children's Hospital vaping cessation clinic in Liverpool, told BBC Radio 4 that vaping had "sort of snuck up on children and was now so widespread that it's sort of normalised".She advised parents to "guide" their children to a choice rather than just saying they were not allowed, but admitted "it's tricky". Seventeen-year-old Bella is among those receiving support at Alder Hey after vaping for three years."I wake up and then reach for my vape and then feel like I'm ready," she mother Lindsey recalled Bella asking for a box of vapes as a Christmas gift, and said: "I just shook my head and walked away from her."Bella told the BBC she had also seen "really young people vaping in the toilets" at school."I think it's good that they're banning disposable vapes because it's harder to get a reusable one so now more kids can't start." But Bella said she also felt there was a lack of support for young vapers, which Prof Isba agreed with."There are probably tens of thousands of children and young people who want to stop vaping and we don't have the services to support them," she said. "One of the great joys of this clinic [at Alder Hey] is that we can craft it around individual children and young people."She urged parents and carers to approach the issue of their child vaping "from a place of support, not judgement, which is really hard as a parent myself".She said: "It's tricky because you want your child to be as healthy as they can. "But actually my experience has been that supporting them and guiding them to a decision or a choice - rather than just saying 'you are not allowed to vape, you are not allowed to smoke, don't do it' - is a really great place to start."Marcus Sexton, of Blackburn vape shop chain Totally Wicked, said he thought the ban on disposable vapes was more "about environmental grounds". 'Not risk-free' "I was in Manchester recently watching people return them [for recycling]. It's great - but not enough people do," Mr Sexton called on the government to "make sure they don't throw the baby out with the bathwater by making it so hard and difficult for stores and consumers who are smokers to access these products".But he agreed that should be balanced with restricting access for those who were Minister Mary Creagh, who is an ex-smoker and pushed for the ban, admitted vapes could help people quit smoking but said she did not want a new generation to start vaping. She said about eight million disposable vapes were thrown away per week, and they cause 1,200 fires have been widespread concerns about the use of some brands which have "skyrocketed, particularly among younger people", according to the data suggested about 980,000 youngsters aged 11-17 have tried vaping, which is about 18% of that age demographic. However those who vape regularly were estimated to be about 3.7% of the 11-18 age group. The NHS said "developing lungs and brains mean they are more sensitive" to the impact of nicotine vaping, which is "less harmful than smoking but is not risk-free". Read more stories from Cheshire, Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC North West on X.
The Guardian
31-05-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
Vapers warned not to stockpile ‘fire risk' disposables before UK ban
Vapers have been warned not to stockpile soon-to-be-banned disposables before Sunday's outright ban as they 'pose a significant fire risk'. The Local Government Association (LGA) said users were stocking up on single-use e-cigarettes while they could, as shops would face fines for selling them after the ban takes effect. And although the temptation from consumers may be to hoard their favourite flavours, the LGA said the lithium batteries inside could become a hazard if not stored correctly. David Fothergill, the chair of the LGA's community wellbeing board, said: 'We want to remind businesses to ensure all remaining stocks of disposable vapes are sold, and only buying vapes that follow the new regulations. 'If businesses have any single-use vapes in their possession after Sunday, they will not be able to sell them to shoppers and must ensure they are stored and disposed of safely. 'We would also urge caution to anyone stockpiling disposable vapes. Failing to store disposable vapes correctly could cost lives, given the significant fire risk they pose.' According to research by Haypp, an online nicotine retailer, 82% of disposable vape users are planning to stockpile. The ban is designed to reduce youth vaping and tackle the environmental damage caused by millions of the devices being thrown away each week. Retailers have been told to clear remaining stock and ensure leftover products are disposed of safely. Material Focus, a non-profit focused on improving electrical recycling in the UK, said 5 million disposable vapes were incorrectly discarded each week in the UK in 2024 – nearly four times higher than the previous year. Many contain lithium-ion batteries, posing fire risks and leaching toxic chemicals into the environment when binned incorrectly. Scott Butler, the executive director of Material Focus, said: 'Thirteen vapes every second are being incorrectly gotten rid of, and that's a huge environmental pollution problem. The liquid in many vape batteries is toxic and could run into waterways, as well as harm animals. It's also a significant fire risk because lithium batteries are known to cause fires when crushed with general waste.' 'Vapes are a huge environmental pollution problem, so we hope the ban goes some way to reducing waste,' he added. Disposables are also the most common device used by children who vape, with more than 20% of UK children having tried vaping, according to Action on Smoking and Health (ASH). The devices are often sold in sweet flavours and brightly coloured packaging, which campaigners say appeal to underage users. Under the new rules, only vapes that are rechargeable, refillable and fitted with a replaceable coils (the heating element) will be allowed. Experts worry the industry may have already found ways to sidestep the UK government's ban, while cheaper vape imports rerouted from the US risk pushing down prices further. There are also concerns that new US tariffs on Chinese imports may increase cheap vape shipments to the UK, making enforcement of the ban more difficult. Hazel Cheeseman, the deputy chief executive of ASH, said: 'There's already a sizeable illegal market. Whether the disposable vapes ban makes that risk greater, I guess that depends on how quickly the legitimate retailers are making products available to people that suit their needs. 'People don't necessarily want to go looking for illegal products if they can buy legitimate products in their local corner shop or supermarket that meet their needs, why would they go off looking for dodgy ones?' There are also concerns about policing the vapes at borders and ports, said Kate Pike, the lead officer for vaping at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, who stressed that stronger import controls would be essential. 'We have extra funding to do more at ports and borders … From our point of view, it's important, because obviously it makes a big difference if we can stop [illegal vapes entering the country],' she said.
