Can vaping help wean people off cigarettes? Anti-smoking advocates are sharply split

"For years, there have been stories warning about the dangers of vapes, also known as e-cigarettes, and other non-cigarette products like heated tobacco and nicotine pouches. Many scientists and public health experts point out that the tobacco industry promotes and profits from these newer products and that many young non-smokers are using e-cigarettes and becoming addicted to nicotine. However, a number of doctors, scientists and public health experts argue that, while these products are dangerous, they may not be as dangerous as traditional cigarettes."

"As the lesser of two evils, their argument goes, e-cigarettes could be useful in helping people quit smoking. This matters because even though smoking rates have been dropping, 1.2 billion people worldwide continue to use tobacco. About 80% of them live in low- and middle-income countries. Accusations of industry influence and scientific censorship are flying. WHO staked out its stance on the issue this month in a strongly worded position paper, slamming the idea of using e-cigarettes as a tool in smoking cessation."

"And at the anti-tobacco gathering in Geneva, leaders are calling for tough new restrictions on products like vapes. Both sides agree that getting this question right now is key to addressing the tobacco epidemic. "Mea culpa!" Twenty years ago, Dr. Derek Yach was well regarded in the public health world. The South African physician played a leading role in drafting and launching WHO's landmark tobacco treaty."

Over 1,400 delegates convened in Geneva to debate the WHO Tobacco Control Treaty and strategies for confronting the global tobacco epidemic. E-cigarettes, heated tobacco and nicotine pouches raise concerns about youth uptake, nicotine addiction, and tobacco industry promotion and profits. Some clinicians and public health experts argue these products are less harmful than combustible cigarettes and could aid smoking cessation. Smoking still kills up to half of long-term users and 1.2 billion people use tobacco worldwide, with about 80% in low- and middle-income countries. WHO issued a strong position opposing e-cigarettes for cessation, and leaders are calling for tougher restrictions.

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