Professor Hayden McRobbie Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, Queen Mary University of London
Abstract
It was around a decade ago that electronic cigarettes (EC) first appeared on the market. These early devices predominantly looked like traditional cigarettes and delivered little nicotine to the user. Since then EC have rapidly evolved and continue to do so. Some EC can deliver nicotine in a way that more closely resembles nicotine delivery from cigarettes. This, combined with their sensory-motor effects, is what makes EC an ideal product for helping people stop smoking.
The U.K. has taken a more positive attitude to EC than most other countries. Public Health England and the Royal College of Physicians have assessed the current evidence and have concluded that the benefits of using EC to stop tobacco use outweigh the risks. Although health risks may yet appear, these are likely to be only a small fraction of the health risks associated with continued smoking. Globally, however, there is vigorous debate on EC, with some in the tobacco control advocating for greater restrictions on EC than cigarettes.
This presentation summarises the current evidence for clinicians, so that accurate information can be provided to people who want to stop smoking by switching to vaping.
Declaration of interest: Hayden McRobbie has received investigator led research funding and honoraria for speaking at educational meetings from Pfizer Inc. He has also received honoraria from Johnson and Johnson for speaking at educational meetings and an advisory board meeting.
