WASHINGTON, D.C. – There is an “emerging public health consensus” that vapor products and e-cigarettes are far less hazardous than cigarettes and effective at helping smokers quit. This is the conclusion of a new joint statement on e-cigarettes released Tuesday by UK government watchdog Public Health England and twelve public health organizations.
“We all agree that e-cigarettes are significantly less harmful than smoking,” the organizations write. “And yet, millions of smokers have the impression that e-cigarettes are at least as harmful as tobacco and we have a responsibility to provide clear information on the facts as we know them to be.”
Co-signers of the letter include: Public Health England, Action on Smoking and Health, Association of Directors of Public Health, British Lung Foundation, Cancer Research UK, Faculty of Public Health, Fresh North East, Public Health Action, Royal College of Physicians, Royal Society for Public Health, Tobacco Free Futures, UK Centre for Tobacco and Alcohol Studies, and UK Health Forum.
These distinguished health organizations penned this letter in response to recent criticism of Public Health England’s groundbreaking report declaring e-cigarettes to be around 95% less hazardous than smoking and effective at helping smokers quit.
“Since the release of the Public Health England report, several disingenuous activists have tried to portray the organization’s position as an anomaly,” said Gregory Conley, President of the American Vaping Association, a leading advocate for the benefits of vapor products such as electronic cigarettes. “With groups like the Royal College of Physicians and Cancer Research UK signing on in support of vaping, this dismissive propaganda technique can no longer be employed with a straight face.”
The joint letter continues: “We should not forget what is important here. We know that smoking is the number one killer in England and we have a public health responsibility to provide smokers with the information and the tools to help them quit smoking completely and forever.”
Conley applauded the organizations for penning the statement. “For nearly a decade, the vast majority of public health groups have been actively seeking to mislead smokers and the general public about the risks of vaping. These organizations deserve credit for their bravery and commitment to public health.”
“Could this letter influence U.S. groups like the American Cancer Society and American Lung Association? Will it cause them to stop lying about e-cigarettes? Don’t hold your breath,” said Conley.
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.
