UK Public Health Agency: "False fears should not prevent smokers from switching to e-cigarettes"

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Saeng-hye] Public Health England (PHE) recently published a report containing new research findings and recommendations regarding e-cigarette use. The report expressed concern over the misinformation and excessive fear that spread among consumers following last year's outbreak of vaping-related lung illnesses originating in the United States. It also emphasized the need for continuous monitoring to ensure consumers have information and perceptions based on scientific facts.

According to the report released by PHE on the 16th, an analysis of the lung illness cases that occurred in the U.S. last year identified ‘vitamin E acetate,’ used in THC-containing vaping liquids, as the main cause of the illnesses. The report explained that "this substance had already been banned for use in nicotine-containing products in the UK." For this reason, it also revealed that no cases similar to the U.S. lung illnesses have occurred in the UK.

The report clearly stated that e-cigarettes contain far fewer harmful substances that cause smoking-related diseases compared to conventional cigarettes. It added, “Further research is needed on the long-term effects of e-cigarette use, and e-cigarettes are not completely harmless.”

The report pointed out, “Currently, the rates of e-cigarette use among adults and adolescents in the UK are being stably managed, but more than half of smokers mistakenly believe that e-cigarettes are as harmful or more harmful than conventional cigarettes.” It explained that due to misinformation and excessive fear about safety, many conventional cigarette smokers hesitate to switch to e-cigarettes, ultimately continuing the most harmful form of smoking?conventional cigarettes?thereby worsening smokers’ health and exposing them to the risk of premature death.

PHE also emphasized the need for proper guidance from related organizations and the government to correct consumers’ misconceptions about tobacco products. This stance aligns with PHE’s previous position advocating for encouraging smokers to switch to e-cigarettes to increase smoking cessation success rates.

The ‘misplaced fear’ of e-cigarettes among smokers was partly caused by some experts or organizations disseminating unreliable information to the public. For example, a paper titled ‘E-cigarette Use and Myocardial Infarction Among U.S. Adults: Tobacco and Health Assessment’ published in the American Heart Association journal in June last year was retracted earlier this year, causing a major stir among experts. Retraction of a paper published in a scientific journal is very rare; the paper revealed serious problems in the research analysis process. Significant flaws were found in the data, and ultimately, due to a severe lack of reliability, the paper was withdrawn.

Professor John Newton, Director of Health Improvement at PHE, stated, “Compared to conventional cigarettes, which cause 220 early deaths per day in the UK, e-cigarettes are much less harmful,” and evaluated, “This PHE report is a step forward that empowers health professionals to speak more confidently to patients about the benefits of using e-cigarettes for smoking cessation.” He also described it as “a step toward achieving the UK’s goal of a ‘smoke-free generation.’”

Professor Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for the UK government, said, “The best thing smokers can do for their health is to quit completely, but e-cigarettes can help people quit by serving as a safer alternative to conventional cigarettes,” and explained, “This report clearly shows the need to manage nicotine risks while maximizing opportunities to utilize e-cigarettes in public policy.”

Professor Ann McNeill of King’s College stated, “E-cigarette use in the UK has not negatively impacted adult smoking rates, and adolescents who use e-cigarettes were already smokers of conventional cigarettes,” adding, “However, regulatory authorities must remain vigilant to prevent easy access to e-cigarettes by youth, just as with conventional cigarettes.”

Deborah Arnott, CEO of Action on Smoking and Health, emphasized, “To achieve the UK government’s vision of a ‘smoke-free society’ by 2030, more smokers need help to quit, and e-cigarettes can play a more important role,” and stressed, “The transition to e-cigarettes should not be delayed due to unfounded, fear-mongering media reports about the UK’s e-cigarette regulations.”

George Butterworth, Policy Manager for Cancer Research UK, explained, “This report once again confirms to smokers that e-cigarettes are relatively less harmful than conventional cigarettes,” and noted, “It also shows that the rates of e-cigarette use among non-smokers and minors in the UK are not rapidly increasing.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.