E-Cigarette and Vaping News

FDA: No Evidence Linking Covid-19 Risk and Vaping

May 11, 2020

It seems hard to believe that just four months ago, few people around the world had heard of coronavirus. Now, we know that thousands have lost their lives to Covid-19, with millions known to have been infected.

As with all new conditions and illnesses, we know little about its progression and why some people may suffer from it more seriously than others. We are learning on the fly, and that has led to some statements that have later proven incorrect.

he FDA retracts previous statement concerning vapers

The Food and Drug Administration previously said vapers were more likely to suffer complications from the coronavirus if they had underlying health conditions. We know that individuals with certain health conditions may be more prone to experiencing complications and requiring medical treatment if they catch Covid-19. However, the FDA seemed to indicate this was even more likely if those individuals also used electronic cigarettes.

Now, however, the FDA has responded to a query on the topic sent to them by Bloomberg News. They emailed a reply that stated:

“E-cigarette use can expose the lungs to toxic chemicals, but whether those exposures increase the risk of Covid-19 is not known.”

Quite the change of tack.

Studying the novel coronavirus

Lots of researchers are looking at reams of statistics, data, and various other sources of information when trying to understand how the virus is spread and who is most at risk of catching it and developing complications. Some studies have suggested certain patterns, but the FDA did not appear to have any inside knowledge concerning vapers with pre-existing health conditions.

Since the virus affects the respiratory system, those who have respiratory illnesses or conditions already are understandably at greater risk than those without. But why might vapers be at greater risk, when we know that smoking is worse than vaping? All the evidence suggests vaping is far better for you than smoking. That is something that is hard to believe, given that vape shops have largely been asked to shut their doors during the pandemic. Meanwhile, cigarettes can still be purchased from many outlets that remain open.

Considering the future

With each day that goes by, we learn a little more about the virus and its effects on those who catch it. Until evidence appears to suggest otherwise, however, it is good to see the FDA has gone back on its original stance regarding vaping and Covid-19.

UK Researchers Defend Vaping

April 9, 2020

The UK has long been known to be one of the most supportive countries regarding vaping. While other countries around the world have banned electronic cigarettes, the UK has continued to support them as a positive method to help smokers quit real cigarettes.

Now researchers in the UK have reacted angrily to a Q&A document about e-cigarettes that was released by the World Health Organization (WHO). The document covers nine questions, the first of which asks whether e-cigarettes and vaping products are dangerous. Part of the WHO’s answer to this question states:

“…these products are harmful to health and are not safe.”

They state there is evidence supporting this. However, this statement (and others in the document) has made researchers in the UK angry. Peter Hajek of the Tobacco Dependence Research Unit at the Queen Mary University of London stated that the World Health Organization has regularly indulged in “anti-vaping activism”. He also pointed out there is no evidence to support the WHO’s stance that vaping is addictive.

What else does the WHO say in its report?

It claims that young people who have never tried a cigarette are more likely to do so if they’ve previously vaped. This comes despite other sources of research revealing that only a tiny portion of young people start vaping without having smoked first.

They also touch on the potential for lung injuries to occur in vapers. While it is true that the USA has seen an outbreak of so-called EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping associated lung injury), these cases have been linked to THC-containing e-cigarettes rather than standard ones.

In answering the question, “What role do ENDS (electronic nicotine delivery systems) play in smoking cessation?”, the WHO uses the word ‘unclear’ to describe vaping as a method to help people quit smoking.

Yet they do support nicotine replacement therapies, quit lines, and advice given by health professionals. All those methods have limited success, as has been proven over many years. Evidence, both anecdotal and otherwise, consistently shows that vaping has helped many smokers quit for good. Yet the WHO seems to be resolutely ignoring this.

Peter Hajek also pointed out that smoking among young people has reached its lowest ever level. Could vaping be a reason for this? Research supports e-cigarettes as a powerful method to help people stop smoking. No one is suggesting vaping is 100% safe, but Public Health England stands by its statement that electronic cigarettes are a minimum of “95% less harmful than smoking cigarettes.”

Vaping is more powerful than willpower alone

The ideal scenario would be for a smoker to switch to vaping and then to wean themselves off vaping. While some do this, others continue to vape instead of returning to cigarettes. Many researchers, especially those based in the UK, disagree with the WHO’s heavy-handed approach to the issue.

What do you think about the report from the World Health Organization? Has vaping helped you stop smoking? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

Switching to Vaping and Heart Health

March 25, 2020

Most people recognise that smoking is harmful to health. There are many risks associated with tobacco, not least those relating to the cardiovascular system. Smokers are at an increased risk of heart disease, strokes, and diseases affecting blood vessels and arteries.

Many smokers have successfully quit the habit by switching to vaping. Various studies have taken place that look at how health may improve by making this change. One such study, conducted by the University of Dundee, has confirmed that ‘vaping is less harmful than smoking for vascular health.’

:How long did the trial last?

This was an in-depth trial that took place across a two-year period. Commissioned by the British Heart Foundation, the study is thought to be the largest of its kind thus far. It has revealed positive news for those looking to switch from smoking to vaping.

Not only did the study show that those quitting cigarettes and using e-cigarettes instead experienced better vascular health, it showed those changes could be seen in as little as four weeks.

Who took part in the trial?

114 people who had smoked for a minimum of two years were recruited for the study. Each one had smoked 15 or more cigarettes every day. Their vascular health was monitored prior to the study starting and again at the end. Continual monitoring occurred throughout the two years as well.

What improvements were seen?

The scores seen in the study improved among vapers when compared to smokers. To put it into context, someone who is healthy and has never smoked has a score of around 7.7 for cardiovascular health. Smokers see a much lower average score of 5.5. The lower the score, the more chance there is of that person experiencing cardiovascular issues, i.e. heart attacks or similar conditions.

However, when people switched to vaping during the study, their scores were seen to rise to an average of 6.7. That is quite an improvement. Of course, it does not match the score of someone who has never smoked and does not have nicotine-based e-cigarettes. However, it does show that vaping is a positive way to help someone quit the smoking habit.

What is your opinion on this study? Do you think it supports smokers in finding a good reason to switch to vaping? Does vaping provide a safer alternative? Let us know your thoughts by leaving them in the comments below.

E-Cigarette Posts Ban on Instagram

March 2, 2020

Instagram is a visual place. So-called influencers show us their latest holiday snaps, posed and filtered, and share recommendations of products they love. So, it’s no surprise to learn that vaping products have been among the items promoted on the social media site.

However, some products cannot be advertised on social media, in line with advertising rules and regulations. One such product is electronic cigarettes. Hence why four vaping companies had their wrists slapped at the end of 2019 after breaking that advertising rule.

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) banned a series of posts published by four major companies, including British American Tobacco and Attitude Vapes. The Global Vaping Group and Ama Vape were also reprimanded following the complaint. Several ads were taken down from Instagram as a result.

Instagram steps forward with a blanket ban

It was perhaps to be expected that Instagram would have something to say following the ruling by the ASA. They released a blog post pointing out that advertising tobacco-related products and vaping supplies had always been prohibited on Instagram. However, they went further to say enforcement of this was going to begin (presumably rather than expecting people to simply adhere to their rules).

Is this a good move?

We think so. While vaping is seen as one of the most successful methods to help people quit smoking, the use of models and singers appealing to a young audience while advertising vaping products is questionable at best. British American Tobacco stated its posts intended to share ‘factual information’ and did not promote those products. However, it is difficult to see how this could be the case when the products were seen in the images.

The influence of Instagram… and beyond

Instagram is an influential place – there’s no getting around that. The same applies to Facebook and other social media sites. So, tightening the rules around advertising makes good sense.

While smokers regularly try vaping as an alternative that could help them quit the habit, there is a fear that young people could take up vaping as a safer option. Research does not support this idea, but there is a risk that seeing vaping products promoted on Instagram and beyond could be viewed as attractive.

Do you agree with the tougher stance on banning vaping ads from Instagram and similar sites? Let us know what you think – leave a comment below.

Mysterious Fatal Lung Illness Linked to Vaping THC

December 20, 2019

Many headlines have appeared in recent weeks about a spate of deaths among vapers in the United States. Some news agencies have seized on the reports as ‘confirmation’ that vaping is as dangerous as smoking.

However, an investigation by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has revealed crucial information about those who have succumbed to the lung disease.

The facts

A total of 1,604 cases of lung injuries suffered by those using electronic cigarettes were investigated by the CDC. Nearly two-thirds of those individuals (63%) had restricted their e-liquid use to those containing tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly known as THC. This is the active ingredient in marijuana. Just 16% of those questioned by the CDC said they had only used e-liquids containing nicotine.

While those figures do not confirm that all cases of the condition were triggered by vaping THC, it’s clear that most were. The CDC also discovered that of the 34 people who have lost their lives to the condition, 84% of them were confirmed to have vaped e-liquids with THC in them in a three-month period prior to death.

EVALI

This term has only started cropping up recently. It is the acronym given to the condition, standing for E-cigarette or Vaping product use Associated Lung Injury, where the capitals denote the parts of the acronym. Research thus far suggests it may be a form of lipoid pneumonia. This occurs when a lipid enters the lungs. It appears that some e-liquids may contain oils that were not intended to be vaped.

We will keep you updated with any further developments concerning the situation in the US. For now, do you have any opinions or beliefs surrounding the situation? Let us know by leaving your comment below to share your thoughts.

England Aims to Be Smoke Free by 2030

December 11, 2019

Recent years have seen a huge increase in the number of people vaping throughout the UK. Meanwhile, a report from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) found that smoking among UK adults had dropped by over 5% since 2011, reaching 14.7% according to the most recent available data.

With such a huge drop in smoking rates – falling by an impressive 25% in a few short years – it is perhaps not surprising that the UK Government would like to make England a smoke-free country by 2030.

Could it happen in just 10 years?

We are entering the last few weeks of 2019 and about to head into 2020. Therefore, the deadline is a little over a decade away. Could this ambitious plan come to fruition?

The huge fall in smoking rates in the UK was confirmed in the ONS report, Adult smoking habits in the UK: 2018, released in July 2019. Yet even with a notable 5% drop in that period, this wouldn’t lead to smoking being completely eradicated.

A Government green paper was released that highlighted the ambitious target

A green paper is a preliminary report rather than a report that is set to become law. However, it has had the desired effect of generating plenty of discussion about the topic of reducing and eventually eradicating smoking in the UK.

The report in question, ‘Advancing our health: Prevention in the 2020s’, covered far more than just smoking. However, since the report focused on combating health conditions that could be prevented, smoking was heavily featured. It pointed out that we already have ‘one of the lowest smoking rates in Europe.’ That is something to celebrate, and it is encouraging that the Government wants to go further.

The report went on to state the desire to eradicate ‘smoked tobacco’ by the 2030 deadline. It also mentioned that e-cigarettes could be a good alternative to smoking to help achieve this aim.

Vaping has a big role to play

Many people attribute the big drop in smoking rates to the advent of vaping. Certainly, this seems to have become the most popular way for smokers to quit. There are several other nicotine replacement therapy options available, but for many, vaping most closely imitates the act of smoking a cigarette. Replicating that experience is clearly useful for many. It also means the individual can receive that nicotine hit while quitting harmful cigarettes.

It’s true that some people have managed to quit from their own efforts alone, but for many, the easiest route to quitting is via vaping. Promisingly, the report made it clear the idea was to move towards preventative measures. It’s no surprise that reducing and wiping out smoking altogether is a key part of this.

Hospitals will soon provide an opportunity for smokers to accept treatment to quit

At the beginning of 2019, NHS England created headlines by confirming millions of pounds would be invested in helping smokers and excessive drinkers quit their respective habits. The nature of the help was not stated, but it was confirmed that smokers being admitted to hospital would receive support in trying to stop smoking.

While this is a good step to take, and applies regardless of the reason for admission, we think it would be better still for GPs to provide the support and advice. While not all smokers are admitted for a reason connected to their habit, this will be true in some instances. Why not provide the advice and support at an earlier stage, hopefully to see off any potential illnesses or conditions that could arise that would lead to hospital admission?

Will the Government achieve its aim of a smoke-free England by 2030?

It is ambitious, to be sure, and the Government has yet to reveal how it intends to achieve this aim. The steps to be taken are to be revealed at a later date. However, even if it falls short of wiping out smoking completely by 2030, it is likely we will see rates drop still further.

Every age group has seen a drop in smoking rates over recent years. Vaping has helped and should continue to do so in future. The laws in the UK are far more relaxed on vaping than we’ve seen in other countries, and this looks likely to continue.

If England did manage to become smoke free – and we think it will eventually, perhaps not by 2030 but certainly eventually – we suspect it could be one of the first countries to achieve the feat. Taking active steps to support smokers, to provide advice and nicotine replacement therapies, and to help people stop before they experience illnesses associated with smoking, are all important.

What are your thoughts on this aim? Do you think the Government could make England smoke free in the next decade? Let us know what you think by leaving your comment below.

Menthol Cigarettes to Be Banned in the UK

November 29, 2019

Have you heard of the TRPR regulations? Many smokers haven’t, but it seems nearly a quarter of everyone who smokes is in for a major shock next year. And it is all down to these regulations, otherwise known as The Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016.

The demise of menthol cigarettes

Approximately a quarter of smokers opt to use menthol cigarettes, but thanks to the TRPR regulations, they’ll no longer be able to buy them from 20th May next year. With so many other events taking centre stage at present (hello Brexit), it’s possible news of the ban could have flown way underneath the radar even when it was reported. The chance of anyone who smokes menthol cigarettes or menthol rolling tobacco getting wind of the news is likely low.

The ruling stemmed from the EU’s Tobacco Products Directive, which was passed in 2014 and came into force two years later. That made major headlines and has continued to do so since, and yet few know that menthol cigarettes, with their minty flavour, are soon to be no more. Indeed, one government petition we discovered that disagreed with the ban received just 16 signatures.

What’s next for fans of menthol?

Some who do know about the impending ban think menthol fans will simply switch to regular cigarettes. We suspect it is more likely they’ll switch to vaping, opting for mint-flavoured e-liquids that also contain nicotine. Perhaps the Government is keen for this to happen, since the UK is forward thinking on how positive vaping is as a method for quitting smoking. Could they have adopted the ruling without any fuss because they see the positive side?

If you smoke menthol cigarettes, what will you do next May? Let us know your tactics and opinions on the ban below.

Vaping in America Under Threat

November 12, 2019

Electronic cigarettes have been proven time and again to help smokers quit the habit and improve their health. They have also been confirmed to be far safer than cigarettes.

And yet some countries are far behind in their understanding of the advantages and benefits of vaping – America included.

On September 11th, Alex Azar, the Health and Human Services Secretary announced that flavoured vaping products would be banned. Vapers throughout America have long been having a tough time. While many people have confirmed e-cigs were the reason they were able to quit smoking, those in charge don’t appear to understand how powerful vaping is.

Does the recent spate of lung disease deaths have anything to do with this decision?

We think it might, even though vaping was not behind the deaths attributed to the lung condition that has killed several people and made major headlines across the world, not just in the US. The outbreak was deemed to be linked to the use of illegal products containing THC oil and vitamin E acetate, rather than to regular legal vaping products.

While the truth is now out, it hasn’t done vaping any good. It certainly hasn’t changed the minds of those in power. All flavoured vaping liquids are going to be removed from the market. The ruling won’t affect tobacco flavours, but we wouldn’t be surprised if that eventually happened too.

The secretary stated they will ‘do what’s necessary’ to protect kids and prevent youths using the products. He suggested that tobacco-flavoured vaping liquids would eventually be included if youths started gravitating to using those instead. We wonder… with flavoured liquids removed from the market, surely they are going to gravitate to whatever is left? It’s an odd stance to take.

Could a lack of products in the vaping market drive more people to buy illegal products?

It could well happen. It should be noted that the recent lung illnesses that have taken lives were caused by illegal products. That was highlighted from the investigation into that outbreak. So, there is a real risk that this knee-jerk reaction from the US government to ban flavoured vaping products could lead more people to try illegal products instead.

Lots of studies confirm that vaping has assisted thousands of people in quitting smoking. It is proven to be far safer than smoking. Some would say those living in the UK are far better off than those in many other countries, as the UK is relatively forward thinking in supporting vaping and confirming its ability to help people quit smoking. The US is far off that mark, clearly.

Unless the new ruling comes to court and is overturned, Americans will soon face a world where they can only get hold of tobacco-flavoured vaping liquids. And one suspects there is a good chance those might eventually be banned too.

What do you think of this new ruling? Do you think this could be another nail in the coffin of electronic cigarettes in America? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Vaping Helps Reduce UK Smoking Rates

October 30, 2019

While the jury may be out among some portions of the population regarding vaping, a recent study conducted by Dr Emma Beard of University College London showed that vaping has had a significant effect in helping reduce the smoking rates in the UK.

Smoking rates have been steadily dropping over the past few decades. However, this study used data from 1973 through to 2016 to see how and when smokers stopped.

Stop smoking initiatives led to bigger drops in smoking over the years

Various initiatives have been introduced over the years to help smokers quit the habit. The study indicated that the number of people quitting rose in the late Nineties.

Then came vaping, which has often been spoken of as the most powerful way to help smokers quit cigarettes and other tobacco products for good. Some speculated that vaping also encouraged non-smokers to start, thanks to the popularity of e-cigarettes. However, the results highlighted in the study showed this was not the case. That issue, spoken of as ‘contentious’ in the published piece highlighting the study in the BMJ Thorax Journal, has been debunked in many quarters already. This study backed it up, saying that evidence ‘does not support concerns’ of this kind.

The government wants to make the UK entirely smoke free in just over a decade, by 2030. That is a bold target, but it is one that could be met with the help of vaping. As time has gone on, vaping has become more widespread and more popular among smokers. Many have quit when they had never been able to do so before.

The evidence supporting vaping as a powerful anti-smoking tool is piling up. What are your thoughts on this new research? Do you think the UK could be smoke free by 2030?

Fact Checking the Lung Disease Epidemic

October 16, 2019

If you keep up with the news, you may have noticed a few stories have been finding their way into the UK press concerning a nasty lung disease spreading throughout America. The headlines have been shocking, worrying, and eye-catching, telling of people who have died of a ‘mysterious lung condition’.

Those same headlines have mentioned that the fatalities from the ‘epidemic’ have been e-cigarette users. Suddenly, vaping has come under the cosh.

So, is there reason to be concerned?

Well… yes and no. Investigators have highlighted the fact that people who have fallen victim to this strange lung condition have been using THC oil cartridges. These are illegal and contain marijuana extract and vitamin E acetate. The vitamin E might sound healthy but acetate? Not so much. This is found in many health and beauty products designed to be used on the skin. However, it is not designed – nor it is suitable – to be inhaled.

With 34 cases being investigated as of early September 2019, an update from the New York State Department of Health confirmed that:

“At least one vitamin E acetate containing vape product has been linked to each patient who submitted a product for testing.”

At least one from each person. While it is still early days and there are no definitive answers yet, it seems there is a strong link between the lung condition that has taken several lives and illegal products containing vitamin E acetate. There is no reason and certainly no evidence to suggest legal vaping products are involved.

Unfortunately, this has not stopped the media from jumping on the story with both feet and getting the facts wrong. Vaping has been put in the dock when the real suspect should be illegal products containing THC oil cartridges. Sadly, some people who are against vaping and believe it should be banned have taken this as a golden opportunity to push for that result.

We await the results of the investigation with interest. However, it is heartening to see that officials have already spoken of the likelihood that ‘non-traditional’ products are behind the illness, rather than legal vaping products.

What do you think of the recent headlines surrounding this outbreak? Do you believe more should be done to limit access to these illegal products? Do you think anything can be done? Let us know your thoughts by leaving your comments below.

San Francisco Bans Vaping

September 2, 2019

If you’re heading to San Francisco on holiday anytime soon, best you leave your vaping supplies at home. Vapers have learned the shocking news that vaping is set to be banned in the city. Two votes have taken place allowing the ban to come into force. While you can still legally vape in San Fran at present, the legislation is expected to kick in within weeks.

Illegal to vape… but not to smoke?

Quite what this means for the health of San Franciscans remains to be seen. You’d think that a ban this wide-ranging would encompass smoking too. However, that’s not the case. While vaping looks set to become illegal in the city, lawmakers have in their wisdom failed to extend the ban to smoking. So, you can happily smoke cigarettes that have been proven to harm health while being unable to switch to the far less harmful electronic cigarettes.

Why have people voted to ban vaping?

Good question. The reason for the vote seems to be that those in charge are concerned about young people vaping. However, we know many people have stopped smoking because e-cigs represent a far safer alternative. If those e-cigs do end up being banned, as looks likely to be the case, young people (and everyone else trying to quit smoking) are less likely to succeed in their efforts.

Vaping is also far safer than smoking. While some could say neither is desirable, many smokers have kicked the habit with e-cigs when they failed to do so by any other means. Time after time, we hear how much better vaping is for your health when compared to smoking. Those who never smoke will be unlikely to take up vaping (again, studies have shown this).

So, who are the winners if this law passes? Undoubtedly the tobacco companies. It seems unlikely anyone else is going to benefit. What are your thoughts on this?