The Belgian Superior Health Council (a scientific advisory board for the Government) acknowledged that vaping is less harmful than smoking and recommends smokers to switch to vaping. The recommendation to the Government was published last Tuesday. The report states that vaping “is a better alternative than smoking and can be used as a smoking cessation aid.”

The Superior Health Council says it has emphasised “that phasing out the use of traditional tobacco cigarettes must remain an absolute priority.”

The downside is that the Council continues to spread fear over a potential but as yet unproven link between flavours and a negative impact on health.

It says there should be a freeze on the current e-liquid market and not allow any new ingredients. This should be combined with an investigation of the effects of inhalation of e-liquids.

Dúirt Michael Landl, Stiúrthóir ar an ngrúpa abhcóideachta domhanda um vapáil, World Vapers' Alliance: “It is great that the Council acknowledges the benefits of vaping and its role in helping smokers quit. Vaping is proven to be one of the most successful smoking cessation methods. Now the Minister of Health, Frank Vandenbroucke, needs to follow their lead.

“"Ar an drochuair, is cosúil nach dtugann an Chomhairle faoi deara an pointe is tábhachtaí faoi bhlasanna: tá siad riachtanach do lucht gaile agus do chaiteoirí tobac ar mian leo athrú. Ar ndóigh, teastaíonn rialuithe sábháilteachta agus cáilíochta uainn, ach ní mór dúinn fanacht amach ó bhlasanna a thoirmeasc go ginearálta. Chuirfeadh sé seo na mílte lucht gaile ar ais ag caitheamh tobac nó ar an margadh dubh. Dá bhrí sin, dhéanfadh sé dochar don tsláinte phoiblí seachas í a fheabhsú."”

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