RESEARCHERS at Auckland University’s National Institute for Health Innovation are looking for Gisborne people take to take part in a trial on electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and nicotine patches.

E-cigarettes are electronic devices that let the user inhale nicotine with less harmful chemicals than those 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, which is called ‘‘vaping’’.

Lead researcher Associate Professor Natalie Walker said the aim of the trial, funded by the Health Research Council, was to find out whether e-cigarettes (used either with or without nicotine) combined with nicotine patches can help people quit smoking.

Free for participantsAll product will be provided free to participants.

“This study will be the largest trial of e-cigarettes for quitting conducted in the world,” said co-investigator, Professor Chris Bullen.

Dr Bullen led the team’s 2013 trial, which tested an earlier type of e-cigarette and found they were safe and as good as nicotine patches for quitting.

The research team has been working closely with people who "vape" in Auckland to identify the best e-cigarette to test, and have decided on one of the latest ‘‘tank’’ style e-cigarettes.

“We are hoping to recruit around 1800 people across New Zealand into the study,” Dr Walker said.

Participants must be willing to be randomly allocated to one of three groups: using nicotine patches alone, using nicotine patches and nicotine-free e-cigarettes or using nicotine patches and e-cigarettes containing nicotine.

Participants will be followed up by phone for six months to see how successful they’ve been at quitting.

Interested people who smoke but want to quit, live in New Zealand, are at least 18, and have access to a phone, can call 0800 367 644, email ascend-2@auckland.co.nz or go to the website http://ascend2.nihi.auckland.ac.nz to find out more about what the study involves.

Vaping has grown in popularity with New Zealanders as it is seen as way to cut down nicotine use.

Man smoking an e-cigarette. File picture