A new study from researchers at University College London has reinforced what the UKVIA has been saying for some time…that outlawing disposable vapes could have serious consequences on smokers and, consequently, public health.
The research – which was funded by Cancer Research UK – found that a ban on disposable vapes would affect around two million current and former smokers, with senior author Professor Jamie Brown saying:
“There is a need for action to reduce disposable vaping among young people who have never smoked. However, trade-offs need to be carefully considered. A ban may discourage use of e-cigarettes among people trying to quit smoking and may induce relapse among those who have already used disposables to quit.”
He went onto say that such legislation could signal to ‘large numbers of people’ that these products are ‘worse for our health or that their harms are comparable to that caused by smoking tobacco’ – which is not currently banned.
Lead author, Dr Sarah Jackson, said: “While banning disposables might seem like a straightforward solution to reduce youth vaping, it could have substantial unintended consequences.”
The UKVIA recently launched a petition warning the government against removing or restricting disposables and flavours – which have both played a key role in bringing the UK’s smoking rates to a record low. The petition was launched as part of our ongoing ‘Save Vaping. Save Lives’ campaign. Click here for more information: Save Vaping, Save Lives – UKVIA
The UCL research did highlight that there are 316,000 adults (aged 18 to 24) who are using disposables, but have never smoked.
The UKVIA reiterates that these products are intended to help adults quit cigarette use – which lead to 250 deaths everyday in the UK alone. Vaping products of any kind should not be used by never-smokers or anyone under the age of 18.