The latest ASH annual survey data exposes a startling truth: in 2023, four in ten smokers in Great Britain incorrectly believe that vaping is just as risky, if not more so, than smoking itself. This represents a significant increase from a year ago when a third of smokers held this belief. In this deep dive into the data, we aim to debunk common myths, uncover factual information, and explore vaping's true potential in the mission to reduce smoking rates.
The Path to 'Swap to Stop'
Earlier this year, the government launched a groundbreaking national 'swap to stop' campaign, offering one million smokers a complimentary vaping starter kit, accompanied by crucial behavioral support to aid smoking cessation. This initiative is underpinned by compelling evidence, as vaping combined with behavioural support has been proven to be nearly twice as effective as medicinal nicotine replacement therapy. With this evidence-based strategy, the government aims to make significant strides toward its ambitious goal of achieving a smoke-free Britain by 2030.
Challenges to 'Swap to Stop'
However, the success of 'swap to stop' faces a substantial obstacle: the growing concerns among smokers that vaping carries risks equivalent to, or even surpassing, those of smoking.
Among the 1.8 million smokers who have not yet tried vaping, a staggering 43% mistakenly believe that e-cigarettes are as harmful as, or more harmful than, traditional smoking, marking a considerable rise from 27% in 2019. Additionally, among the 2.9 million smokers who have experimented with vaping but subsequently quit, 44% share these misguided beliefs, up from 25% in 2019.
The Informed Minority
Remarkably, the most accurate risk perceptions are held by the 2.7 million ex-smokers who have successfully transitioned to vaping, and the 2.9 million former vapers. Astonishingly, 75% of the former group and 45% of the latter correctly recognise that vaping is less harmful than smoking.
A Call to Action
Hazel Cheeseman, Deputy Chief Executive of ASH, underscores the urgency of addressing these misconceptions: "The Government has backed a vaping strategy as its path to reduce rates of smoking, but this approach will be undermined if smokers don't try vapes due to safety fears or stop vaping too soon and revert to smoking. The Government must act swiftly to improve public understanding that vaping poses a fraction of the risk of smoking."
Expert Insight: The Role of Vaping in Smoking Cessation
Dr. Ruth Sharrock, Clinical Lead for Tobacco Dependency, North East and North Cumbria NHS Integrated Care Board, highlights the critical role of vaping in supporting smokers to quit: "Vaping is a valuable tool in our arsenal to tackle smoking, particularly for patients who are heavily addicted. However, too many of my patients have seen alarmist media headlines that worry them and deter them from trying vaping."
Dispelling Vaping Myths
In conjunction with the 2023 data on adult vaping, ASH is releasing a comprehensive 'myth buster', aimed at challenging common misrepresentations of vaping's evidence base. Developed with leading experts on smoking and vaping, this resource reaffirms key truths:
- Vaping is NOT more harmful than smoking.
- Vaping is NOT more addictive than smoking.
- Vaping is NOT a proven gateway into smoking.
- Nicotine DOES NOT damage young people's brain development.
Professor Ann McNeill of King's College London, a contributor to the ASH myth buster, emphasises, "Switching from smoking to vaping will be much better for an individual's health. Levels of exposure to cancer-causing and other toxicants are drastically lower in people who vape compared with those who smoke."
Addressing Teen Vaping Concerns
While clarifying misconceptions among adults is crucial, it's equally important to address youth vaping. Harm perceptions among teenagers are even more inaccurate than in the adult population. Teenagers experiment with vaping due to product appeal, affordability, and accessibility. Further regulation is essential, as it is more effective than scaremongering. Moreover, it's critical to prevent teenagers who experiment with vaping from thinking that smoking is equally harmless, potentially increasing the likelihood of them taking up smoking.
In conclusion, dispelling myths and accurately informing both adults and teenagers about vaping is pivotal to realising the potential of vaping as a safer alternative to smoking. With the 'swap to stop' campaign and a commitment to public education, we can work toward a healthier, smoke-free future.
