The Truth About Nicotine and Vaping: INNCO's Perspective

Dec.01.2022
The Truth About Nicotine and Vaping: INNCO's Perspective
Misinformation hinders progress on ending smoking. Nicotine is not the problem, it's the smoke. Safe alternatives for smokers exist.

For many years, nicotine has been demonized by anti-smoking "experts" to discourage smoking. INNCO argues that while quitting smoking should be a shared goal, it is unethical to distort the truth in order to achieve it.


To make matters worse, this practice continues, effectively sentencing smokers to an unnecessary death without providing them an escape route.


Nicotine itself does not cause cancer, cardiovascular or pulmonary diseases. The harm comes from the smoke produced by burning cigarettes. Therefore, it is necessary to promote the use of safer nicotine substitutes to replace toxic tobacco products and save the lives of smokers. Failing to do so is tantamount to involuntary manslaughter.


Several months ago, Dr. Sara Kayat appeared on ITV's "This Morning" show alongside hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary to issue unverified warnings about nicotine electronic cigarettes (commonly known as "e-cigarettes"). Dr. Kayat stated, "There are many other issues starting to surface...the most concerning is lung damage. There's a condition called popcorn lung. This is an inflammatory lung disease that may occur from using e-cigarettes.


The International Network of Nicotine Consumer Organizations (INNCO) stated that there is no evidence to support the claim made and presenting such misinformation can have an adverse effect on efforts to quit smoking. When healthcare professionals make assumptions based on incomplete investigations and present them as facts, it creates fear and unnecessary concern, ultimately preventing people from making informed decisions about their health and well-being. Preventing smokers from switching to safer alternatives such as nicotine e-cigarettes is akin to causing a public health tragedy.


2FIRSTS will continue to cover this topic and provide updates on the "2FIRSTS APP". Scan the QR code below to download the app.


This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

Azerbaijan Imposes Comprehensive E-Cigarette Ban Covering Import, Export, Sales and Use, Effective April 1
Azerbaijan Imposes Comprehensive E-Cigarette Ban Covering Import, Export, Sales and Use, Effective April 1
Azerbaijan has approved amendments to its tobacco law that introduce a comprehensive ban on e-cigarettes and their components, covering import, export, production, storage, wholesale and retail sales, and use. Nicotine-containing e-cigarettes are classified as tobacco products under the revised framework. The law takes effect on April 1, 2026.
Jan.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts “Decisive 2026” Concludes: Reviewing the 2025 U.S. Market and Mapping Compliance Pathways Ahead
2Firsts “Decisive 2026” Concludes: Reviewing the 2025 U.S. Market and Mapping Compliance Pathways Ahead
2Firsts hosted “Decisive 2026” in Shenzhen, bringing together industry perspectives to examine major shifts in the U.S. new tobacco market in 2025 and their global implications. Sessions covered U.S. market dynamics, technical insights from recently PMTA-authorized products, an investor lens on tobacco capital markets, and 2025 news/product highlights. The event underscored a structural shift from “gray business” toward compliance and sustainable growth, expected to become clearer by 2026.
Jan.09
Imperial Brands names John Rishton chair-designate, to take over as chair in December 2026
Imperial Brands names John Rishton chair-designate, to take over as chair in December 2026
Imperial Brands said in a statement on its website that John Rishton will join the board in July 2026 and assume the role of chair in December, succeeding current chair Thérèse Esperdy, who will retire at that time.
Jan.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Exclusive | EU Confirms End of Tobacco Policy Expert Group, Explores New Cooperation Structures as TPD Revision Continues
Exclusive | EU Confirms End of Tobacco Policy Expert Group, Explores New Cooperation Structures as TPD Revision Continues
2Firsts reporting shows that, as the European Union moves toward a future evaluation of its tobacco legislation, the Tobacco Policy Expert Group—long a key platform for coordination among Member States—formally concluded its mandate at the end of 2025. At the same time, the European Commission is exploring new cooperation structures to address the resulting institutional gap.
Jan.22
Canada: “I Want My Pouches” launches during National Non-Smoking Week to push easier adult access to nicotine pouches
Canada: “I Want My Pouches” launches during National Non-Smoking Week to push easier adult access to nicotine pouches
Canadian consumer advocacy group I Want My Pouches announced its launch during National Non-Smoking Week, calling for straightforward, consistent and practical adult access to nicotine pouches.
Jan.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Mexico to impose an absolute ban on the commercialization, import and sale of vapes from Jan. 16, 2026
Mexico to impose an absolute ban on the commercialization, import and sale of vapes from Jan. 16, 2026
Mexico will enforce an absolute ban on the commercialization, import and sale of vapes and e-cigarettes from January 16, 2026, under a reform published in the Official Journal of the Federation (DOF) amending the General Health Law.
Jan.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai