The Importance of Evidenced-Based Debate on E-Cigarettes

Aug.30.2022
The Importance of Evidenced-Based Debate on E-Cigarettes
eSmoking Institute highlights importance of evidence-based discussions on reducing harm and promoting safer e-cigarettes for smokers.

In public discourse, there is an increasing discussion around reducing the health damages associated with smoking, and further research confirms that approximately 95% of e-cigarettes are less toxic than traditional cigarettes, and may assist with smoking cessation.


Marcin Kozłowski, a member of the management board of the eSmoking Institute, a professional research and development center located in Poznan, emphasized the importance of using modern research techniques for reliable, evidence-based public debates. The institute has been dedicated to expanding its research field and has recently purchased equipment to support advanced technology development, including tools that allow for a wider range of testing of water content in nicotine liquids. The institute has also acquired a modern viscometer for dynamic viscosity testing, which will enable them to broaden the scope of their physical and chemical testing.


The head of eSI spoke about the institute's work, stating that their goal is to develop regulations and standards to help smokers better understand the products available in the market. This will further improve the safety of these products. They are also closely monitoring the research of other leading centers in this field. Most importantly, e-cigarette users can now identify that they are using verified, less harmful products and the institute is pleased that more and more people are gaining knowledge about these products.


Marcin Kozłowski is a member of the management board of the eSmoking Institute/Fot.


What is an electronic cigarette?


This is the idea behind the creation of the product, which does not contain tar substances that are known to cause many smoking-related diseases. It works like an inhaler, providing the body with nicotine through the process of evaporating a liquid (based on glycerin and propylene glycol). Therefore, no tobacco is burned, and the amount of toxic substances released in the aerosol compared to traditional tobacco products such as cigarettes is much lower. Clearly, electronic cigarettes are much less harmful than traditional cigarettes, as our research and independent international studies have shown. M. Kozłowski cited a report from the UK Public Health England, which concluded that 95% of the content in electronic cigarettes is tar-free and therefore less harmful compared to traditional cigarettes.


In this context, we often hear about "harm reduction." What exactly does that mean?


Against the backdrop of policies to reduce the harm caused by smoking, it is worth highlighting the role of electronic cigarettes. Some countries in the world, including New Zealand, the United States, and previously mentioned United Kingdom, have implemented policies suggesting that smokers who are unable to quit should switch to the less harmful alternative of electronic cigarettes, even in the form of prescriptions. Surprisingly, this has yielded impressive results. For instance, research conducted in the United Kingdom shows that as many as 52% of its 3.2 million adult electronic cigarette users have quit smoking. Conversely, Spain reports that nine out of ten electronic cigarette users in their country have either completely quit or significantly reduced their nicotine intake. Therefore we have increasingly strong reasons to believe that policies aimed at reducing harm will produce extremely positive results. However, it should be remembered that the products we use must be thoroughly tested.


What else should we know?


The electronic cigarette market offers a variety of options for users, including open or closed systems that only require the replacement of liquid cartridges, such as the Vuse ePod. In my opinion, it is important that we ensure consumers are unable to alter any aspect of the product, so that it can be thoroughly reviewed for its final formulation and ingredients. If we choose to use open systems, only single-use liquids should be permitted. The concept of the finished product would involve providing a substance that is constrained by the entire testing system with regards to its final formulation.


Statement


This article is compiled from third-party information and is intended for industry communication and learning purposes only.


This article does not represent the views of 2FIRSTS and 2FIRSTS cannot confirm the authenticity or accuracy of the content of this article. The translation of this article is only intended for industry communication and research purposes.


Due to limitations in the level of translation, the compiled article may not fully express the content of the original text. Please refer to the original text for accuracy.


2FIRSTS maintains complete alignment with the Chinese government regarding any domestic, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, or foreign statements or positions.


The copyright of compiled information belongs to the original media and author. If there is any infringement, please contact us for immediate removal.



Disclaimer

This article is provided solely for professional research, industry discussion, and informational purposes. Any references to brands, companies, products, technologies, or policies are made for factual reporting and analytical purposes only, and do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, promotion, or advertising by 2Firsts.

Nicotine-containing products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, carry significant health risks. Readers are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions, including age restrictions and access limitations.

The information contained in this article should not be regarded as investment, legal, medical, regulatory, or commercial advice. While 2Firsts strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of its content, it does not assume liability for any direct or indirect loss arising from errors, omissions, inaccuracies, or reliance on the information contained herein.

This article is not intended for individuals below the legal age for accessing tobacco or nicotine-related information in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright Notice

This article is either original content produced by 2Firsts or content reproduced, translated, summarized, or adapted from third-party sources with attribution where applicable. The intellectual property rights of the original content remain with 2Firsts or the respective original rights holders.

No individual or organization may copy, reproduce, distribute, republish, modify, translate, or otherwise use this content without prior authorization. Any unauthorized use may result in legal action.

For copyright-related inquiries, corrections, or removal requests, please contact: info@2firsts.com.

 

AI-Assisted Translation and Editing Notice

Portions of this article may have been translated, edited, or reviewed with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools to improve efficiency and readability. Due to the limitations of AI-assisted translation and editing, discrepancies, omissions, or inaccuracies may exist when compared with the original source.

Where applicable, readers are advised to refer to the original source for the most complete and accurate information. If you identify any errors or believe that any content infringes upon your rights, please contact us at info@2firsts.com, and we will review and address the matter promptly.

Germany's Four-Year Tobacco Tax Plan Heads to Parliament as BAT, JTI and PMI Push for Changes
Germany's Four-Year Tobacco Tax Plan Heads to Parliament as BAT, JTI and PMI Push for Changes
Germany's parliament is scheduled to hold a first reading of amendments to the Tobacco Tax Act on September 24. The government plans annual tax increases from 2027 through 2030 covering cigarettes, heated tobacco, vaping liquids and other categories. It expects the reform to generate €756 million in additional revenue in 2027, rising to €3.589 billion in additional annual revenue by 2030. Ahead of the parliamentary debate, the German Association of the Tobacco Industry and Novel Products, or BVTE, launched the "Tabaksteuer mit Augenmaß" campaign backed by BAT, JTI, Philip Morris, Reemtsma and wholesale and retail groups.
Sep.23
From Product Innovation to Integrated Solutions: NEXTECH Expands Its Global Heated Tobacco Solutions
From Product Innovation to Integrated Solutions: NEXTECH Expands Its Global Heated Tobacco Solutions
NEXTECH launched its NEXE Pro circumferential-heating tobacco stick globally at InterTabac 2026, as the company expands from product innovation into broader heated tobacco solutions. Amid intensifying competition across global HTP markets, NEXTECH is strengthening its R&D, manufacturing and pre-launch support capabilities to serve different types of business customers.
Industry Insight
Sep.15
Virginia Tobacco Retail Permit Takes Effect October 1, Covering Vapes as More Than 3,000 Businesses Apply in September
Virginia Tobacco Retail Permit Takes Effect October 1, Covering Vapes as More Than 3,000 Businesses Apply in September
Virginia's new retail tobacco permit system took effect October 1, requiring sellers of vapes, nicotine products and related devices and accessories to obtain a Retail Tobacco Permit for each business location. Virginia ABC said more than 3,000 businesses applied in September alone, creating a processing backlog. Qualifying applicants that filed before October 1 may temporarily operate under a Letter of Authorization. The new store-level permit also sits alongside Virginia's existing vape product directory, where sales of unlisted liquid nicotine or nicotine vapor products can trigger civil penalties starting at $5,000.
Regulations
Oct.03
Juul Displays FDA-Authorized JUUL2, Highlights Age Verification at NACS Show 2026
Juul Displays FDA-Authorized JUUL2, Highlights Age Verification at NACS Show 2026
At the 2026 NACS Show in Las Vegas, Juul Labs displayed its JUUL2 e-cigarette system alongside existing products, age-verification messaging and mobile coupons, 2Firsts observed. The JUUL2 device and Virginia Tobacco and Polar Menthol pods received FDA marketing authorization in August 2026. Booth materials highlighted longer battery life, greater e-liquid capacity and connected-device features. A TruAge sign and a mobile coupon presentation also featured at the booth, with weekly offers available to age-verified adult nicotine consumers at participating retailers.
EXPO
Oct.09
China Tobacco Hubei explores staged nicotine pouch delivery, using dynamic membranes to slow early release and gradient particles to sustain later delivery
China Tobacco Hubei explores staged nicotine pouch delivery, using dynamic membranes to slow early release and gradient particles to sustain later delivery
China Tobacco Hubei Industrial Co., Ltd. disclosed several oral nicotine-related patent applications in August 2026, including two that approach staged nicotine release from different directions. One uses a high-viscosity membrane that forms inside the pouch after contact with saliva to slow rapid early release, while the other uses gradient particles with a faster-disintegrating outer layer and a slower core to create a fast-to-sustained release profile. Together, the filings explore how nicotine pouches could balance initial delivery with release later in use.
Sep.03
U.S. Rep. Krishnamoorthi Questions FDA Over Planned PMTA Rewrite, Seeks Communications With Altria and Reynolds
U.S. Rep. Krishnamoorthi Questions FDA Over Planned PMTA Rewrite, Seeks Communications With Altria and Reynolds
U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi on Oct. 6 questioned the FDA over its plan to reassess and potentially replace the 2021 PMTA regulatory framework, asking the agency to identify provisions it may change or eliminate, state whether current scientific evidentiary standards will be maintained, and disclose communications with Altria, Reynolds and other parties challenging the rule. Krishnamoorthi led a congressional investigation into JUUL and youth vaping in 2019 and has since remained active on e-cigarette regulation and enforcement.
Regulations
Oct.08