Vapes can help people quit smoking, as Dr Thomas Nahde, Head of Harm Reduction and Engagement, explained to Inpact Magazine, part of the Die Zeit media group.*
Harm reduction generally describes how potentially risky behaviour can be made significantly less risky. There are plenty of examples of this. Sun cream, seat belts or cycle helmets do not make sunbathing, driving or cycling completely safe, but they do significantly reduce potential health risks. The Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) concept is all about minimising the health consequences associated primarily with the inhalation of tobacco smoke. Novel products such as e-cigarettes can play an important role here by reducing the health risks for adult smokers who do not want to give up nicotine and would otherwise continue to smoke conventional tobacco products.
E-cigarettes do not burn tobacco, but heat liquids with or without nicotine and various flavourings. Compared to conventional tobacco smoke, the inhaled aerosol contains significantly fewer harmful substances, and in smaller quantities. This makes these products a sensible and effective alternative for potentially reducing the health risks of tobacco consumption. More and more independent scientific investigations and studies are being carried out worldwide. In the laboratories in the Imperial Brands network, we're also conducting a great deal of research in order to contribute to a fact-based discussion about the benefits and possible risks of new products with scientific data and findings.
For example, the most recent Cochrane Review from early 2024, for which 88 scientific studies with over 27,000 test subjects were analysed. The study concluded that nicotine-containing e-cigarettes offer a higher probability of successfully quitting smoking than nicotine replacement therapies. But whether with or without nicotine, the decisive factor with e-cigarettes is the absence of tobacco and its combustion, including the inhalation of tobacco smoke. This is what THR is primarily about, it is not about nicotine. Nicotine is a natural substance that is neither a carcinogen nor the main cause of smoking-related diseases. Unfortunately, many people and even medical professionals are often unaware of this.
A variety of flavours beyond the classic tobacco taste is hugely important for e-cigarettes in order to increase their acceptance and use among smokers. A large number of consumer studies show that the majority of adult smokers who are willing to switch want to get away from the 'old' tobacco flavour. In this respect, a variety of flavours in e-cigarettes, which are also marketed responsibly, is crucial to convincing consumers to transition away from conventional smoking – and not to start again.
E-cigarettes have been at the centre of public and political debate for months. With reference to health and youth protection, blanket bans are often called for, for example a complete ban on flavours. As a manufacturer, we are also concerned that the e-cigarette market contains many products that should not actually be available in this country. Products that are not properly taxed or labelled, that contain illegal ingredients or too much liquid or nicotine. What's more, it is far too easy for people under 18 to obtain these products. The entire legal market and the concept of THR are suffering as a result. E-cigarettes are not lacking in regulation in Germany. Which products may be sold to whom is clearly regulated by law. However, there is often a lack of effective official controls and enforcement of these rules, as well as effective penalties that actually deter dubious manufacturers and retailers.
We stand for transparency, open dialogue and fair discourse, even if opinions differ. We actively seek exchange with all those interested in constructive dialogue. Our goals are to provide clarification, clear up misunderstandings and build and expand trust. To achieve this, we speak openly about the risks of smoking and nicotine consumption. We make our research work transparent and base it on recognised scientific quality criteria, publishing our studies and subjecting them to a scientific peer review process. We go to great lengths to provide consumers with well-founded information and promote an informed, science-based dialogue on the concept of THR.
*This article is a translation of an interview which appeared in Inpact Magazine in November 2024.
