The study from New York University covered by in numerous news sources over the past two days is another example of an unsubstantiated alarmist headline based on a study that has little applicability to the real lives of smokers.
As already noted by several leading UK academics, this American study does not conduct a direct comparison with smoking, nor does it recreate realistic vaping circumstances. It was also conducted on mice and cell cultures, not humans. Even the study’s author acknowledges it is not conclusive. [for press statement] It is also worth noting that US regulations allow for levels of certain chemicals in vape products that would not otherwise be allowed in the UK.
We know the significant health damage caused by smoking. We also know from research from leading institutions, such as Cancer Research UK, conducted on real smokers, that vaping is likely to be far less harmful. Indeed, Public Health England estimate vaping to be 95% less harmful than smoking. This is the message that needs to get out to the UK’s 7 million smokers – that there is a safer, viable alternative.
Studies like the one reported on in PNAS do little more than distract from the important goal of encouraging smokers to make a life changing switch.