September 2021 Newsletter

The September 2021 issue focuses on the positive role of e-cigarettes in the United Kingdom. It explains that the UK has taken a more open and evidence-based approach to vaping than many other countries. Public Health England and the Royal College of Physicians have both supported the view that vaping is much less harmful than smoking and may help smokers quit.

The newsletter presents the UK as an example where tobacco harm reduction has been understood as a practical public health tool. It says the country’s smoking rate has fallen since e-cigarettes became popular, while regular vaping among people who have never smoked remains very low.

The issue also discusses Ireland’s plan to reduce smoking prevalence to below 5 percent by 2025 through education, cessation support, quit campaigns, evidence reviews, and higher tobacco taxes.

Another section argues that access to vaping products should be made easier for adult smokers while keeping strong protections for minors and non-smokers. It recommends adult-only sales, licensing, stronger penalties for retailers who sell to minors, and education about youth risks.

The newsletter also looks at regulatory uncertainty in the vaping industry and warns that the debate on harm reduction is often unbalanced. It says policymakers should consider both youth protection and the potential benefits of safer nicotine alternatives for adult smokers.

• The newsletter highlights the UK as a strong example of an evidence-based approach to e-cigarettes.
• Public Health England and the Royal College of Physicians supported the view that vaping is much less harmful than smoking.
• The UK smoking rate has fallen significantly since e-cigarettes became popular.
• The newsletter says fears about vaping becoming a gateway to smoking have not materialized in the UK.
• Ireland set a target to reduce smoking prevalence to less than 5 percent by 2025.
• The issue argues that adult smokers should have affordable access to vaping products.
• Vaping products should be regulated according to their true level of risk.
• Strong protections are needed to prevent minors and non-smokers from accessing vaping products.
• The newsletter warns that flavor bans may reduce the appeal of vaping for adult smokers and create black markets.
• The issue says the debate on harm reduction should balance youth protection with benefits for adult smokers.