Ongoing misinformation and confusion continue to fuel conversations about vaping.
Vaping has become a widely debated topic, with various misconceptions clouding public understanding and opinion of the use of electronic vapour products such as e-cigarettes and similar devices. As South Africa moves toward establishing a legislative framework for these products, the importance of dispelling the confusion on these products will assist public policymakers and users of these products to make informed decisions.
Perhaps the most pervasive refrain, vaping is often said to be a replacement for smoking, however, there is a huge difference between these two. Traditional cigarettes burn tobacco, releasing harmful chemicals such as tar and carbon monoxide that have been directly linked to lung cancer, heart disease and other severe health issues. On the other hand, vaping heats a liquid that contains propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, flavouring and sometimes nicotine.
“Despite many studies supporting these products as an effective tool for those wishing to stop their cigarette dependence, it continues to be regarded in the same way as tobacco products that decades of research have proven to be harmful to people’s health,” said Asanda Gcoyi, CEO of the Vapour Products Association of South Africa.
She pointed to scientific evidence from organisations such as the National Health Service in the United Kingdom that suggests vaping exposes users to lower levels of harmful chemicals compared to smoking.
“While vaping is not entirely risk-free, it poses a fraction of the risks associated with smoking,” she added.
Anti-tobacco proponents often purport that vaping leads users to cigarette smoking or other drugs. Research suggests the opposite: vaping can be a gateway out of smoking.
An analysis by Cochrane, an independent network that provides high-quality evidence to inform healthcare decision-making, found evidence that nicotine-containing vapes significantly increased smoking cessation rates and were more effective than other nicotine-replacement therapies.
The viewpoint that flavoured vapes are a marketing tactic to hook young people is extremely damaging as it suggests that flavoured e-liquids used in vapour products specifically targets young people. This is despite research showing that flavoured e-liquids play a crucial role in helping smokers switch from cigarettes.
In an evidence review by the Royal College of Physicians, findings suggest that flavour restrictions have led people to return to cigarette smoking as flavours enhance the vaping experience, masking lower nicotine concentrations and providing smokers with a less-harmful alternative to combustible cigarettes.
“We understand the concerns around youth vaping and has therefore implemented various actions, including the recommendation of packaging changes to local manufacturers to ensure that youth are discouraged from using these products that are aimed at assisting adult smokers to quit smoking harmful tobacco products,” said Gcoyi. “We look forward to supporting regulators in enforcing risk-proportionate, balanced legislation that prioritises public health and protects minors while not alienating adult smokers.”
Vaping offers a viable alternative to assist people in breaking free from decades-long addiction to smoking. Specifically, e-liquids for vapes are produced containing various strengths of nicotine, which allows users to gradually reduce their intake of nicotine while managing their withdrawal symptoms.
A separate Cochrane review shows that nicotine vapes are highly effective in helping smokers quit for at least six months and were more effective than other nicotine-replacement therapies or vapes without nicotine.
The review further highlighted that eight to 10 people out of 100 successfully stopped smoking using nicotine vapes compared to four out of 100 people with no support or behaviourial support only. The review also considered other factors that could lead to relapse, including stress, anxiety and social cues.
Scientific research plays a vital role in creating a more informed public discourse. The available studies and evidence-based information suggests that vaping is much less harmful than smoking.
While this does not equate to complete safety and caution should be taken, it does empower policymakers and adult smokers to make informed decisions about their health and potentially transition to less-harmful alternatives to traditional tobacco cigarettes.
The concern about youth vaping is valid, however, public health campaigns and policies should focus on educating the public about the relative risks of vaping compared to smoking and discourage youth access and use of all nicotine and tobacco products. Through ongoing research, responsible regulation and public education, vaping can contribute positively to public health.