Tobacco controllers have turned from attacking tobacco to focus on all forms of nicotine use, two organisations, the Consumer Choice Centre and the World Vapers’ Alliance, have published a paper calling for the end to the war on nicotine – arguing for evidence-based approaches in Europe and globally.

The Consumer Choice Centre and the World Vapers’ Alliance say that vaping and other alternative nicotine products such as nicotine pouches have been recognised as far less harmful than smoking, “yet their lifesaving qualities continuously come under fire for a variety of reasons.”

They argue that prohibitionists have decided that vaping needs to be attacked because it looks like smoking and there is nicotine contained within e-liquid.

The organisations state that there are six main reasons why the attacks on nicotine use needs to end:

1. As pessoas consomem nicotina, mas morrem por fumar.
2. Nicotine in NRT patches & gums is not a problem — so why should it be an issue when vaped or in a tobacco-free pouch
3. O vício é complexo e não se resolve com uma guerra contra a nicotina.
4. Nicotine has scientifically proven therapeutical benefits for some people
5. Conceitos errôneos sobre a nicotina estão dificultando o progresso na saúde pública.
6. A proibição nunca funciona.

Commenting on the findings, Michael Landl, Director of the World Vapers’ Alliance and a co-author of the paper, said: “O discurso anti-vaping está repleto de hipocrisia em relação à nicotina. Se quisermos ser coerentes em relação à nicotina, precisamos tratar o vaping com a mesma abertura e incentivo que dedicamos à terapia de reposição de nicotina, como os adesivos. Graças à inovação, o consumo de nicotina pode finalmente ser dissociado dos efeitos nocivos do tabagismo e, portanto, ajudar milhões de fumantes a melhorar sua saúde. No entanto, a nicotina é injustificadamente demonizada. Isso precisa acabar..”

The organisations argue that reducing the number of smokers and allowing them to rapidly and efficiently switch to a less harmful alternative should be a major priority for governments and public health agencies worldwide. To achieve that, they say, the stigma around nicotine should stop.

“Nosso objetivo é usar este novo artigo como um guia informativo para desmistificar muitos mitos que cercam a proibição da nicotina. Os potenciais benefícios da nicotina devem ser explorados e pesquisas científicas imparciais devem ser garantidas.,” added Maria Chaplia, Research Manager at the Consumer Choice Centre.

Debunking is urgently needed as “more than 57% of respondents in a survey falsely agreed with the statement that ‘Nicotine in cigarettes is the substance that causes most of the cancer caused by smoking’ and even 80% of physicians falsely believe that nicotine causes cancer. These wrongfully held beliefs by the public and experts have negative effects.”

Vaping in the United Kingdom has led to a remarkable 25% drop in smoking since 2013, other nations need to value electronic cigarettes and alternative nicotine products as much as we do.

Originalmente publicado aqui.