Health experts have been researching vape products for a few years now, attempting to determine the overall impact of vapes on people’s health. The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities recently released a study examining the effects of vaping compared to the effects of smoking. The report affirmed the approximation that vaping is at least 95% less harmful than smoking. Following the release of this study, UKVIA (the UK Vaping Industry Association) pleaded for “misinformers” to take the report seriously.
What Did The OHID Report Find?
The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities carried out in depth studies to determine the effects on heart health, respiratory health, and any exposure to toxic chemicals and carcinogens. What the results showed was that biomarkers found in cardiovascular diseases and respiratory diseases (amongst the other significant health risks associated with tobacco) “relative exposure from vaping” was significantly lower compared to smoking.
There is also a suggestion that vaping could be a significant contributor to reducing health disparities in the UK. Although more research needs to be done to conclude this, the OHID report found that vaping is more common in disadvantaged backgrounds. The organisation is asking for a more in depth exploration of the effects of vaping on the health of those in disadvantaged communities.
Studies such as this one are incredibly important in helping to dispel myths and misconceptions about the vaping industry. Many smokers (31.2% of UK adults) still believe that vaping is just as harmful as smoking. It is easy to be confused with the amount of misinformation being published, but this report helps to inform smokers on how vaping compares to combustible tobacco products. This means that smokers looking to quit can then make an accurate assessment of whether vaping or nicotine replacement is the most effective option for them.
Health experts are constantly working to eradicate the assumption that vaping is just as dangerous as smoking. In UKVIA’s article, the Director General of UKVIA John Dunne commented that, “it is good to see experts involved in this latest review stand by the estimates that vaping is at least 95% less harmful than smoking.”
He goes on to explain that the experts in question have agreed that, while we cannot possibly know the long term effects yet, vaping still “poses a fraction of the risk of smoking”
Studies by trusted organisations, such as OHID, provide vapers and smokers with accurate information so that they can make unbiased, informed decisions on which smoking cessation product to use.
As a result of this report, UKVIA are asking for those who previously have spread misinformation about the effects of e-cigarettes, to seriously consider this report. John Dunne summed up his analysis by saying that, “the latest evidence review has further […] debunked falsehoods about vaping, as well as highlighting the importance of an evidence-based approach to harm reduction policies.”
It is incredibly important that the information we receive about the vaping industry is entirely based on evidence, and OHID’s report is a huge step in the right direction. That vaping has been confirmed to be 95% less harmful than smoking could clear up some of the misunderstandings created by lack of research. This might encourage those looking to quit smoking to consider vaping as a method.
That being said, we do not advocate vaping for those who have never smoked before, those who are pregnant, or those with conditions that might impact the heart or lungs. It is our hope that smokers trying to quit make their decisions based on accurate research conducted by reputable organisations. If you are considering quitting, there are great stop smoking services that can give you advice.
For more information; check the https://smkd.com/
This year’s report is a huge step in the right direction and, hopefully, future studies will further eliminate the belief that vaping is just as harmful as smoking cigarettes. That being said, we absolutely do not endorse vaping for those who have never smoked before, those who are pregnant, or those with conditions that affect the heart or lungs. While vaping has been concluded to be at least 95% less harmful than smoking, we can still not guarantee the long term effects.
