Flavored e-cigarettes are key to helping adult smokers switch to e-cigarettes

2024-05-17 13:34:51

This insight comes after the UK government announced that it would offer free vape starter packs to 1 million smokers through an exchange stop scheme.

Current NHS guidelines state that E-cigarettes, which enable adult users to inhale vapour instead of smoking, can be effective in helping adult smokers quit because this smoke is much more harmful than next-generation alternatives.

Chris Aikens, Relx International's manager of European external affairs, welcomed the e-cigarette for cigarette program and supported further efforts to address the issue of illegal E-cigarettes and the sale of minors.

The government's new £3 million Illegal E-Cigarette Enforcement Team, tasked with combating the illegal sale of e-cigarettes to children under 18, will be led by the Department of Trading Standards.

In addition to supporting these initiatives, Relx International highlighted the important role flavored e-cigarettes play in helping adult smokers quit.

Aikens warns that banning certain flavors will only discourage adult users from converting.

"We support measures to prevent and discourage the use of e-cigarettes by minors and urge manufacturers and retailers to comply with existing laws prohibiting the sale of e-cigarettes to children under the age of 18," he said.

"As outlined by the NHS and the UK government, all the evidence suggests that Vaping is an effective tool to directly and responsibly help adult smokers switch from cigarettes to vaping."

"Therefore, the ban on certain flavored products will only discourage adult smokers from switching to next-generation devices, which have proven to be less harmful than smoking and an effective alternative for those looking for alternatives."

For adult smokers seeking to make the switch, it's critical to have access to relevant support and guidance, including information on reducing the risk of e-cigarettes, Aikens said.

According to Aikens, as part of this, it's important to inform adult smokers about how flavored e-cigarettes can help facilitate the transition from combustible tobacco.

Previously, King's College London recently released an independent report commissioned by the Office of Health Improvement and Disparities that found that e-cigarettes are far less harmful than smoking. The report adds that adult users who switch from cigarettes to alternative next-generation products will be exposed to toxic substances with a significant reduction.

RELX said it ensures that its products are not designed, marketed or sold to underage users by refusing to use marketing tactics that may appeal to a younger population, such as cartoons or terminology.

"Preventing the misuse of e-cigarette products is a challenge that manufacturers and retailers must face head-on," Aikens said. Compliance is the minimum standard; However, we believe that going above and beyond, especially in adolescent prevention, is the way forward.