We understand that there are a wealth of anecdotes pertaining to vaping success stories and how making the switch to e cigarettes has completely changed peoples lives. But we also know that nothing can answer the question ‘Is Vaping Safe?’ better than a credible source.
Let’s take a look at UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Cancer Research UK, who have both spoken out about the benefits of vaping.
So far, research has shown that e-cigarettes are far less damaging to the lungs and overall health than traditional cigarettes, as they do not contain the harmful chemicals which are released when tobacco is burned and inhaled.
UK Health Security Agency Conduct Ground Breaking E-cigarette Study
The report was put together and compiled by several academics, including Professor Anne McNeil from Kings College London and Professor Hajek from The London School of Medicine.
Professor Peter Hajek said, “My reading of the evidence is that smokers who switch to vaping remove almost all the risks smoking poses to their health.” This must be one of the strongest positive statements regarding e-cigarettes by an academic to date.
When discussing the gateway theory of vaping leading to smoking, the report stated: We strongly suggest that use of the gateway terminology be abandoned until it is clear how the theory can be tested in this field.
Professor Anne McNeil concluded, “There is no evidence that e-cigarettes are undermining England’s falling smoking rates. Instead, the evidence consistently finds that e-cigarettes are another tool for stopping smoking and in my view, smokers should try vaping and vapers should stop smoking entirely.”
UKHSA State Vaping is 95% Safer Than Smoking. But What Does This All Mean For Vapers?
The report itself should be widely welcomed and applauded. It is fantastic news that this report has been put together, but what we need to see next is how this report will impact upon the Public Health policies of the UK. Will this create a positive change in attitude towards e-cigarettes?
In Summary, What Does The PHE E-cigarette Study Tell Us?
The Key findings of the report include:
- The current best estimate is that e-cigarettes are around 95% less harmful than smoking.
- Nearly half the population (44.8%) don’t realise e-cigarettes are much less harmful then smoking.
- The first long term study on the effects of quitting smoking by switching to vaping has been completed with resounding success.
