Nicotine e-cigarettes may reduce overall smoking rates

With more than 1.1 billion smokers worldwide and more than 8 million smoking-related deaths each year, there is still a long way to go to reduce the harm caused by tobacco. In light of the grim state of smoking in the world, the third edition of the Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction (GSTHR) highlights the commitment of more than 100 million consumers who replace nicotine e-cigarettes, from e-cigarettes to snuff.

However, this report, while corroborated by undeniable data obtained from scientific research, does not reflect the majority of public health authorities and political views. "The rise of vape products, which started with small startups, often in China, has caused confusion, concern and confusion among the major players in the tobacco industry." Gerry Stimson, Director of Knowledge Action Change, explains in his introduction.

Countries that use nicotine substitutes have reduced smoking rates

In fact, based on previous findings, a study published in the Journal of Harm Reduction found that countries that supported the use of safer nicotine substitutes had lower smoking rates.

"The data shows that countries that have adopted nicotine replacement products have been able to reduce smoking rates. The findings suggest that introducing alternative nicotine products may help reduce smoking prevalence more quickly than traditional tobacco control measures that focus solely on prevention and cessation." Read the research abstract.

Countries that follow WHO guidelines struggle with higher smoking rates

Similarly, a 59-page 2021 white paper discusses case studies conducted in several countries to measure smoking-related progress, showing that those who follow WHO guidance have been struggling with higher smoking rates. Entitled International Best Practices for E-Cigarettes: UK, New Zealand, France and Canada, the publication is published by the Property Rights Alliance. It includes Christopher Snowdon (Institute of Economic Affairs, UK), Louis Houlbrooke (New Zealand Taxpayers' Union), Patrick Coquart (IREF, France) and Ian Four separate case studies, conducted by Professor Irvine (Concordia University, Canada), confirm what public health experts have been pointing out.

"Smoking rates are falling dramatically in countries that have implemented progressive tobacco harm reduction policies. And those who follow WHO guidance continue to experience excessive smoking-related illness and death, "said the Asia-Pacific Coalition of Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA).