UK Science Experts Reactions On OHID Nicotine Vaping Evidence Update

Prof Caitlin Notley: “The latest evidence review confirms that vaping is substantially less harmful than continuing to smoke tobacco. Reassuringly, the evidence shows that people who switch away from smoking to vaping are exposed to fewer toxic chemicals that may cause disease in later life.”

Dr Lion Shahab: “This latest report on nicotine vaping is by far the most rigorous, comprehensive and up-to-date piece work on this topic ever published in the UK. It confirms findings from previous reviews in this area that nicotine vaping is far less harmful than smoking tobacco, based on a summary assessment of numerous studies on the likely health impact of vaping. By implication, this should give reassurance to health services and policy makers that encouraging smokers who are unable to stop smoking to switch to these reduced harm products will benefit population health.”

Dr Jamie Hartmann-Boyce: “This is a comprehensive, well-conducted review covering a large and ever-growing body of evidence showing that, though not risk free, vaping exposes users to considerably lower levels of harmful substances than cigarettes. The findings in this new review support the use of e-cigarettes as a way to help people quit smoking”

Prof Peter Hajek: “The clearest evidence comes from looking at blood and saliva samples of vapers and smokers. In vapers, the chemicals responsible for smoking-related death and disease are either completely absent, or present at much lower levels, often similar to levels found in non-smokers. Smokers should be emphatically advised that switching to vaping removes almost all of the risks of smoking.”

Dr Sarah Jackson:Many smokers are unsure whether e-cigarettes are a safer alternative to smoking but, as this report shows, the evidence is clear. If you’re a smoker, you can substantially reduce the risks to your health by switching completely to e-cigarettes and continuing to use them for as long as you need to avoid relapse to smoking. If you don’t smoke, it is safer for you not to start vaping.”

Professor Jacob George: “I welcome this comprehensive review that clarifies the current evidence base  and helps to debunk the many myths surrounding vaping. In essence what it says is that vaping is not completely safe but current evidence suggests that it is less harmful than tobacco smoking.””

Share Button

Author: Bill Tarling