In line with previous research, the recent study, “E-Cigarette Characteristics and Cigarette Cessation Among Adults Who Use E-Cigarettes” once again concluded that regulatory policies related to vaping products should consider the positive data on the products for smoking cessation.
The compiled data revealed that daily use of e-cigarettes and usage in recent years (2019-2021), were linked to higher overall cigarette discontinuation rates compared to non daily use and earlier usage periods (2014-2016). Daily e-cigarette users had higher overall cigarette discontinuation rates at 12.8% vs. 6.1%, while usage during 2019-2021 also showed higher discontinuation rates (12.0% vs. 5.3%). Therefore daily use and recent use of e-cigarettes were significant factors in increased cigarette cessation rates.
Menthol or mint flavoured vapes were associated with higher cessation rates compared to tobacco flavours, at 9.2% vs. 4.7%, when assessed at baseline. However, the research team found no significant association between device type and cessation rates. Overall, the study provided valuable insights into how specific characteristics of vaping products can influence smoking cessation behaviors, reiterating that newer devices and consistent usage could play a significant role in aiding smokers to quit.
Balancing the smoking cessation benefits of vapes with preventing teen uptake
Supporting these findings, a study by University College London found that while the number of young adults aged between 18 to 24 who vape has tripled from 9% in 2021 to 29% in 2023, smoking continues to decrease across all age groups. Yet, since this increase in vaping contributed to overall nicotine use rising from 28% to 35%, some public health experts are calling for tighter regulations to prevent vaping initiation among young people and highlight the potential harms of vaping.
Similarly last April, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) urged UK authorities to promote the relative low risk of vaping versus smoking. However, they also recommended introducing a vape licensing scheme to prevent teen vaping, as well as improve the level of advice on vapes given in all healthcare settings, while giving regulators, such as the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, the authority to penalize illegal vape retailers.
Is anyone getting it right?
Meanwhile, the UK Government’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to reduce vaping’s appeal to children and move towards a smoke-free generation by prohibiting tobacco sales to those born after January 1, 2009.
On a similar note, last May the US State of New York proposed a bill aimed at reducing the appeal of vapes by banning the sale of vape products that look like school supplies or toys, or have packaging appealing to minors. New York state Senator Monica Martinez, referenced state Department of Health data showing that 18.7% of high school students vaped in 2022. The bill proposes penalties up to $1,500 for a first violation and $2,500 for subsequent violations.
Taking a different angle, a report by Smoke Free Sweden published earlier this year, titled “No Smoke, Less Harm,” explored the influence of non-combustible nicotine alternatives on tobacco control and harm reduction. One of the most striking findings was that Sweden, where 23.6% of adults use nicotine daily, has a 41% lower cancer incidence compared to the European average. This significant health benefit has been attributed to the endorsement and widespread use of safer smokeless nicotine products.
Science Keeps Indicating The Effectivity of Vapes For Smoking Cessation, Yet Falling on Deaf Ears
