WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the American Vaping Association, a leading advocate for the benefits of vapor products such as electronic cigarettes, reacted to the release of two new studies on the utility of vapor products for getting smokers off traditional cigarettes.
Yesterday, the international medical research organization the Cochrane Collaboration published a meta-analysis of the evidence on vaping for quitting or reducing smoking. Examining results from 13 studies, including two clinical trials, the authors conclude that while more study is needed, the evidence suggests that vapor products can help smokers quit or substantially reduce their cigarette consumption. Furthermore, the authors found: (a) no evidence of serious adverse events over the short or medium-term; and (b) no evidence that e-cigarette use makes smokers less likely to quit smoking.
And today, Forum Poll released the results of a survey of 2,154 Canadian adults concerning their use of vapor products. Among the respondents who used to smoke, but no longer do, three quarters (76%) reported e-cigs were ‘very successful’ at helping them quit. The survey also found that 1 in 7 adults (15%) have used an e-cigarette, of whom over one quarter (27%) identified themselves as former smokers. Of those who identified quitting tobacco as their primary reason for vaping, about one quarter (24%) no longer smoke. The authors note that 24% “may be considered the success rate for this method of smoking cessation.”
These two studies come on the heels of other research that found similar findings, including: (a) a meta-analysis set to be published in the American Heart Association’s journal Circulation that concludes that vaping has an 18% success rate for those looking to quit; (b) a study from the Addiction journal finding that, in the real world, smokers who choose vaping are about twice as likely to quit as those using products like the nicotine gum or patch; and (c) a survey by England’s largest anti-smoking charity finding that 700,000 ex-smokers are using vapor products.
Gregory Conley, President of the American Vaping Association, issued the following statement:
“These studies underscore the need for a rational public health discussion about the utility of vaping by adult smokers looking to quit or cut back. In a country where over 400,000 people are dying each year from smoking, there is now no excuse for state government agencies and health industry organizations to continue to proclaim themselves ignorant of the public health benefits of e-cigarettes.
“The Forum Poll survey is especially interesting in light of the fact that nicotine-containing vapor products exist in a legal gray area in Canada. If vapor products containing nicotine were as easily sold in Canada as they are in America, it is likely that cessation rates would be even higher.”
About the American Vaping Association
The American Vaping Association is a nonprofit organization that advocates for fair and sensible regulation of vapor products, otherwise known as electronic cigarettes, with the goal of maximizing the number of adult smokers who use these products to quit smoking. The AVA was founded by Gregory Conley, a consumer and industry advocate with a long track record of advocating for vapor products dating back to 2010.
We are dedicated to educating the public and government officials about public health benefits offered by vapor products, which are battery-powered devices that heat a liquid nicotine or nicotine-free solution and create an inhalable vapor. The AVA is not a trade group and does not speak for any particular businesses, including our industry sponsors.
You can learn more about AVA and vaping by visiting the AVA website. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter.
