Otago Research Reveals Design Flaws in Vaping Devices

A recent study from the University of Otago has highlighted significant concerns regarding the design of vaping devices and their role in normalising vaping among young people. Dr. Robin Quigg, a researcher at the university, examined vaping practices among young Māori and discovered that the discreetness of these devices allows users to vape almost anywhere, including in public spaces.

Dr. Quigg’s research involved seven whakarōpū (collective groups) and employed a kaupapa Māori framework to explore the context of vaping. The findings revealed that over half of the participants, aged between 18 and 26 years, had never smoked traditional cigarettes but were currently using or had used vaping devices. Many reported that the ability to easily conceal these devices promotes ongoing use and contributes to nicotine addiction.

“What we found was that it was normalised to vape anywhere,” Dr. Quigg stated. “Particularly inside public buildings, such as libraries, club rooms, and lecture theatres.” This trend raises concerns, especially since some participants noted instances of vaping in sacred spaces, including urupā (cemeteries) and marae (traditional meeting grounds).

Concerns about vaping practices extend to the cultural implications within the Māori community. One participant expressed dismay, saying, “I see people walking around the whole marae complex and vape, even on the ātea,” indicating a conflict with traditional customs or tikanga. While many marae have designated vaping areas, others maintain a strict ‘auahi kore’ or smoke-free policy.

Interestingly, designated smoking areas do not appear to be used by vapers as intended. “You would see a lot of people who are smoking cigarettes move out to the [smoking] zone, but a lot of people who are vaping won’t,” another participant commented, highlighting a gap in adherence to vaping regulations.

Dr. Quigg is advocating for urgent and targeted regulatory action regarding vaping devices. She points out that current policies struggle to keep pace with the evolving nature of nicotine products in Aotearoa, New Zealand. “There is a need for stricter regulations on vape device design,” she said. Potential measures include mandating larger device sizes, promoting designs that are more therapeutic rather than lifestyle-oriented, and creating flavours that produce less appealing odours.

These changes aim to reduce the concealability of vape devices and reinforce the integrity of indoor environments, such as libraries and bars, as well as outdoor areas designated as smoke-free, like urupā, marae grounds, and playgrounds.

Dr. Quigg emphasised that addressing the design of vaping devices alone will not adequately protect young people. “Instead, stronger measures must be implemented to reduce the appeal of vaping,” she concluded, underscoring the need for a comprehensive approach to combat the rising trend of vaping among youth.

The study’s findings serve as a crucial reminder of the cultural, health, and regulatory challenges posed by vaping in contemporary society, especially within vulnerable communities.