The group explained that sadly the number of smokers educated about actual e-cigarettes’ facts remains relatively low, making it unlikely for them to switch to the products, and leaving them at a higher risk for smoke-related diseases. For one the European Commission fails to differentiate between combustible tobacco products and safer alternatives, hence feeding the existing misinformation. “Tobacco consumption is the single largest avoidable health risk, and the most significant cause of premature death in the EU, responsible for nearly 700,000 deaths every year. Around 50% of smokers die prematurely,” highlights the European Commission.
Meanwhile, studies keep indicating that countries which have endorsed safer nicotine alternative products are enjoying lower smoking rates. “The developments in New Zealand and the UK are examples of progressive and enlightened public health policies. Political and public health leaders should take a close look at these results. Vaping can make a significant contribution to reducing smoking rates,” said IEVA president Dustin Dahlmann.
Vape facts information site
Last year, the association also launched an informational website for adult smokers and policy makers who want to learn more about vaping. Called Vapingfacts.eu, the aim of the website is providing factual information about vaping products, how they work, and the health benefits smokers would gain by switching from using regular cigarettes to vapes.
“The more smokers understand about vaping, the more likely they are to switch to this less harmful alternative to cigarettes. That’s why we’re pleased to launch vapingfacts.eu, a resource designed for adult smokers and policy makers who want to understand the fundamentals of vaping,” said Dahlmann at the time. “With so much misinformation out there about vaping, and so many incorrectly believing it to be just as bad as smoking, we hope to clear the air by laying out basic facts in an accessible way”.
