Researchers are looking for Northlanders keen to take part in a trial of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and nicotine patches to see if they help people who smoke tobacco to quit.
Researchers at the National Institute for Health Innovation, the University of Auckland, want around 1800 people to take part and have put the call out for keen Northlanders to get in touch.
E-cigarettes are electronic devices that let the user inhale nicotine with less harmful chemicals than found in tobacco smoke. The devices contain water and propylene glycol (a non-toxic food additive, also used in asthma inhalers) or glycerol (vegetable oil). Nicotine can be added to this mixture. When heated the liquid forms a mist and can be breathed in. The act of using an e-cigarette is called "vaping".
Lead researcher Associate Professor Natalie Walker said that the aim of the trial, funded by the Health Research Council, is to find out whether e-cigarettes used either with or without nicotine combined with nicotine patches can help people quit smoking. All product will be provided free to participants.
"This study will be the largest trial of e-cigarettes for quitting conducted anywhere in the world," said co-investigator Professor Chris Bullen.