French Health Ministry Website Sparks Controversy with Pro-Vaping Statement

Nov.07.2024
French Health Ministry Website Sparks Controversy with Pro-Vaping Statement
The French Ministry of Health's website, Santé.fr, stirred controversy by promoting e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool with minimal harm.

According to a report from Vaping Post on November 6, the French Ministry of Health's website, Santé.fr, once issued a statement claiming that "e-cigarettes help with smoking cessation and the theory that they serve as a gateway to smoking does not exist. The harm of e-cigarettes is lower than that of traditional cigarettes." This statement has sparked widespread discussion.


Established in 2016, this platform is part of the modernization of the French healthcare system laws, aiming to provide the public with reliable and transparent health information. The website reports directly to the French Ministry of Health and Public Health, and collaborates with regional health agencies (ARS) and public health organizations.


According to reports, a few days ago, the website published a new article titled "Are e-cigarettes dangerous?". As is customary, whenever the French government releases information about e-cigarettes, it always attracts widespread public attention. This time, Santé.fr cited a study by Cochrane, mentioning the significant effectiveness of e-cigarettes in smoking cessation. The website also referenced a recent Swiss study, pointing out that e-cigarettes are more effective in smoking cessation than other nicotine replacement therapies, and even better than psychological support.


The website also explicitly states, "Contrary to previous concerns, e-cigarettes have not become a gateway to smoking." The website also provides an assessment of the long-term health effects of e-cigarettes, stating that "Twenty-year data shows that the medium to long-term toxicity of e-cigarettes is reassuring.


However, shortly after this page was published, it disappeared from the website. This sudden change has raised public doubts: Was the page published without authorization? Was it under pressure from anti e-cigarette organizations? Does it involve the interests of large tobacco companies?


These issues have sparked widespread discussion within the e-cigarette industry.


We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Canada’s B.C. Passes First Vaping Cost-Recovery Framework, Allowing Government to Sue Manufacturers Over Health Expenses
Canada’s B.C. Passes First Vaping Cost-Recovery Framework, Allowing Government to Sue Manufacturers Over Health Expenses
According to the Nelson Star, British Columbia has passed the Vaping Product Damages and Health Care Costs Recovery Act by a 49–42 vote. The legislation enables the provincial government to seek recovery of future public health costs from vape manufacturers, following models used in opioid and tobacco litigation.
Dec.03
Ireland’s HSE finds over a fifth of vape shops tested still selling to children despite under-18 ban
Ireland’s HSE finds over a fifth of vape shops tested still selling to children despite under-18 ban
Ireland’s Health Service Executive (HSE) data show that more than a fifth of vape shops tested were still selling nicotine-inhaling vaping products to children, despite a ban on sales to under-18s that took effect on December 22, 2023.
Jan.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Georgia Lawmakers Push School Safety Bills Targeting Phones, Vaping and Firearm Safety Education
Georgia Lawmakers Push School Safety Bills Targeting Phones, Vaping and Firearm Safety Education
Georgia lawmakers are weighing new education bills that would tighten classroom phone rules, introduce firearm safety education from an early age, and require vape detectors in all high schools. Supporters argue the measures are needed to address mounting concerns around student safety, mental health and the growing presence of vaping on campuses.
Jan.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Kardinal to Launch Dual Open-System Devices Globally in Q1 2026
Kardinal to Launch Dual Open-System Devices Globally in Q1 2026
Kardinal OS and Syn Signal Strategic Expansion in Open-System ENDS
Dec.31
Echo Guo: The Accumulating Risks Behind the Surge in Chinese Vape Exports to the U.S.
Echo Guo: The Accumulating Risks Behind the Surge in Chinese Vape Exports to the U.S.
Chinese vape exports to the U.S. jumped from about 2.2 million kg in June to 14.8 million kg in October 2025, despite tougher enforcement, the Washington Examiner reported. 2Firsts finds the surge reflects delayed bulk shipments, not demand recovery. With U.S. inventory exceeding 160 million devices and distributors paying ~10% upfront, cash-flow stress has shifted to Chinese manufacturers, and discounted stock is spilling into other markets.
Dec.14 by Echo Duo
China Announces Crackdown on Illegal Nicotine Pouch Manufacturing Involving Counterfeit VELO, ZYN, and PABLO Products
China Announces Crackdown on Illegal Nicotine Pouch Manufacturing Involving Counterfeit VELO, ZYN, and PABLO Products
The case is valued at approximately 400,000 yuan, and two suspects have been taken into custody.Video footage released by authorities shows that the counterfeit products involved well-known market brands such as VELO, ZYN, and PABLO.
Dec.01