Skip to content
Search
AI Powered
Latest Stories

Consumer body warns of ‘misperception epidemic’ on vaping

Consumer body warns of ‘misperception epidemic’ on vaping
Photo: iStock
Getty Images

As World No Tobacco Day (31 May) approaches, consumer body World Vapers’ Alliance (WVA) has expressed concern about the rampant ‘misperception epidemic’ surrounding tobacco harm reduction.

With recent research by Ipsos for the think tank ‘We Are Innovation’ reveals that 74 per cent of smokers worldwide wrongly believe that vaping is as harmful or more harmful than smoking, the organisation noted that this “dangerous” misconception, fueled by misinformation, is preventing millions from switching to a scientifically proven, less harmful alternative.


“The WHO has turned World No Tobacco Day into a propaganda day. Sweden is about to become smoke-free thanks to alternative nicotine products. The WHO needs to stop fighting alternative nicotine products and start backing them as keys to a smoke-free future,” Michael Landl, director of the WVA, said.

“The WHO’s false claims are fueling a deadly misperception epidemic. Smokers deserve the truth: vaping is significantly less harmful than smoking. Accurate knowledge could save millions of lives.”

The WVA added that this stance is supported by recent research and statements from public health authorities such as the UK’s National Health Service, highlighting the guide to ‘Vaping Myths and Facts’ published by the NHS, debunking significant misconceptions about vaping to help smokers access high-quality information.

“However, misinformation from influential bodies like the WHO perpetuates false beliefs, hindering smokers' access to life-saving alternatives,” the WVA said.

The WVA will be organising a protest in front of the WHO headquarters on World Vape Day, 30 May, in Geneva, aiming to compel the WHO to listen to consumers and acknowledge the scientific evidence supporting vaping, nicotine pouches, and similar products as valid harm-reduction tools.

The UN agency has last week released a report accusing the tobacco industry of trying to hook a new generation on vapes, and claiming that there is insufficient evidence vapes help people quit smoking.

However, experts criticised the report, saying its claims “do not accurately reflect current evidence on e-cigarettes”.

More for you

Volumatic welcomes new FCA rules safeguarding access to cash

Volumatic welcomes new FCA rules safeguarding access to cash

As industry leaders is cash handling, Volumatic has long supported the use of cash and the importance of maintaining access to cash for both consumers and businesses. The company recognises the importance of the new set of rules created by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) two months ago, to safeguard access to cash for businesses and consumers across the UK.

Since introduction, the new rules are intended to ensure that individuals and businesses who rely on cash can continue to access it and the outcome has already sparked the creation of 15 new banking hubs across the UK, including one in Scotland, with many more to follow.

Keep ReadingShow less
Jisp unveils new NPD service

Jisp unveils new NPD service

Retail technology company Jisp has launched an NPD service as part of its new Direct to Retailer business unit.

The new NPD service will allow brands to launch or trial new products in a guaranteed number of convenience store locations, with on the ground review of execution by Jisp’s retail growth manager team, and performance data and insights deliverable through its scanning technology and back-office systems.

Keep ReadingShow less
Tesco launches price cuts in Express convenience stores
File image of Tesco Express

Tesco launches price cuts in Express convenience stores

Tesco is slashing the price of more than 222 own-brand and branded products in its Express convenience stores.

Essentials including milk, bread, pasta and coffee are included in the lines which have been reduced in price by an average of more than 10 per cent at Tesco Express stores. The retail giant has made more than 2,800 price cuts across stores in recent months. With 2,048 of convenience stores at the end of the 2023-24 financial year, Tesco aims to benefit hundreds of thousands of customers from the cheaper deals.

Keep ReadingShow less
vape and cigarette
Photo: iStock

One in five ex-smokers in England now vape, study finds


Summary
1. One in five people who have successfully quit smoking in England currently vape, with an estimated 2.2 million individuals using e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool.
2. The increase in vaping among ex-smokers is largely driven by the use of e-cigarettes in quit attempts, with a rise in vaping uptake among people who had previously quit smoking for many years before taking up vaping.
3. While vaping may be a less harmful option compared to smoking, there are concerns about the potential long-term implications of vaping on relapse risk and nicotine addiction. Further research is needed to assess the impact of vaping on smoking cessation outcomes.


Keep ReadingShow less
Bira engages with Treasury on Budget fallout, business rate reform
(Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
Getty Images

Bira engages with Treasury on Budget fallout, business rate reform

Independent retailers association Bira has held a meeting with members of the Treasury team to discuss concerns following its robust response to the Government’s recent Budget announcement.

The Budget, labelled by Bira as "devastating" for independent retailers, was met with widespread indignation from Bira members.

Keep ReadingShow less