An article on New Nicotine Alliance Australia (NNA AU), said that during a meeting with a number of well respected Tobacco Harm Reduction advocates, one of the topics brought up was the use of the word e-cigarette. This is the term most commonly used to describe a device that has helped millions successfully quit actual cigarettes worldwide.
Countless studies have indicated that these products are significantly safer than actual cigarettes, and yet a large portion of the public remains confused and misinformed about their relative safety. Harm reduction experts also believe that the similar name (e-cigarette vs cigarette), just adds fuel to this confusion.
In line with this, the Australian Tobacco Harm Reduction Association (ATHRA) recently posted a blog on the topic. “It is time to consider replacing the terms ‘e-cigarette’ and ‘electronic cigarette’ with something more appropriate. These labels link a low-risk life-saving technology to a toxic and deadly product and are muddying the already murky waters of the tobacco harm reduction debate.”
The word e-cigarette leads many to associate vaping with smoking
The NNA agrees, and whilst it suspects that replacing the word e-cigarette may take time, it urges us all to do so. “There’s no denying that the term e-cigarette leads many to an association with smoking, and this really is the issue here. We’re associating a far safer product with one that kills 7 million people a year,” said Charles Yates on behalf of the NNA, adding, “So, I ask all to drop the word e-cigarette, and start using vape or vaporiser, as it really seems to be the most logical alternative.”
Read Further: NNA Australia
