Decline in Youth E-Cigarette Use: WVA Issues Alert against Hasty Flavor Restrictions on Vaping Products
The World Vapers' Alliance (WVA) cautions against the characterization of an "e-cigarette epidemic" among youth and asserts that hasty bans could exacerbate the situation. Michael Landl, the WVA's Director, highlights a significant decline in e-cigarette consumption among 14 to 17-year-olds, dropping from 2.9% in 2017 to 1.5% in 2024 – a decrease of nearly 50%.
In light of youth protection, however, the WVA raises concerns about heavy-handed measures such as a proposed flavor ban by the Greens. Landl notes that such a ban would primarily impact adult former smokers who have successfully quit tobacco cigarettes due to the variety of flavors available.
Scientific studies support the significance of flavors in smoking cessation, with a survey showing that fruit flavors were the preferred choice for 83.3% of former smokers, followed by dessert and candy flavors. Only 2.1% indicated tobacco flavor as the most frequent preference. Moreover, flavors appear to heighten the chances of quitting smoking by 230%, according to other studies.
Underlining the importance of evidence-based decisions, the WVA urges politics to acknowledge the positive impact of e-cigarettes on public health and instead prioritize youth education and the provision of less harmful alternatives to adult smokers. Landl concludes by emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to accommodate both youth protection and the needs of adult smokers.
Press contact: Michael Landl ([email protected])Source: World Vapers' Alliance, transmitted through news aktuell (ots)
- The World Vapers' Alliance (WVA) acknowledges the positive impact of e-cigarettes on public health, particularly in the context of health-and-wellness and policy-and-legislation.
- Science underpins the significance of flavors, particularly in smoking cessation, and supports evidence-based decisions in the realm of science and general-news.
- The WVA advocates for a balanced approach in policy-and-legislation, one that prioritizes youth protection while also addressing the needs of adult smokers, in order to foster a comprehensive health-and-wellness strategy.
