The Ministry of Health has issued a public warning about the Suntree - Vanilla Cream (30ml) vaping product as it contains too much of a chemical associated with a lung injury called 'popcorn lung'.
Although the risk of developing lung disease following short term exposure appears to be low, anyone who develops respiratory symptoms after using the product, or has any other concerns, should contact their healthcare provider.
The warning is issued under section 72(1) of the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act regarding the Suntree - Vanilla Cream vaping substance (30 ml).
The notifier (Hoopers Vapour Ltd) is undertaking a consumer level recall for Suntree- Vanilla Cream (30ml) to remove it from sale in stores. It's understood around 300 of these products have been sold in the past 17 months.
Anyone who has this product should immediately stop using it. Any unused product can be disposed of by returning it to the store where it was purchased or by flushing it down the sink with plenty of cold water.
The product contains a level of diacetyl (scientific name: butanedione or butane-2,3-dione) above the allowable limit. Diacetyl is used as a flavouring compound and is described as having an intense buttery flavour.
Exposure to high level of diacetyl through inhalation has been associated with the inflammatory lung disease bronchiolitis obliterans, commonly known as 'popcorn lung'. Symptoms of popcorn lung include shortness of breath, dry cough, wheeze, and fatigue.
New Zealand legislation prohibits the use of diacetyl in high concentrations. The legal limit is 22 ppm of diacetyl in vaping products and this product had more than four times this amount.
The diacetyl limit is part of a broader set of safety thresholds for substances in vaping products, which also include limits for formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and various metals.
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.
