UKVIA welcomes first e-cigarette evidence review by OHID

Oct.05.2022
UKVIA welcomes first e-cigarette evidence review by OHID
The UKVIA welcomed the first evidence review on e-cigarettes by OHID, highlighting their potential in improving public health.

The UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) has welcomed the first evidence review of e-cigarettes released by the Office of Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) with regards to health benefits and differences.


John Dunn (pictured: UKVIA)


The latest review on e-cigarettes builds upon evidence collected by its predecessor, the Public Health England (PHE), and further emphasizes the role that e-cigarettes can play in improving public health.


We are pleased to see that the experts participating in this latest review continue to estimate that the harm from e-cigarettes is at least 95% lower than combustible tobacco and that it 'only represents a small fraction of smoking risk,' " said John Dunne, CEO of UKVIA in a statement. "This figure was first disclosed in 2015 by the then PHE in what was described as a milestone review, and behind this statistical data, statements regarding the significantly lower harm of vaping compared to smoking continue to be cited by health organizations in the UK today.


Duncan Selbie stated, "evidence shows that the relative exposure to electronic cigarettes is significantly lower compared to smoking, and these biomarkers are linked to risks of cancer, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and other health conditions that cause several thousands of deaths every year." "Our own youth prevention task force is working tirelessly with trade standards, retailers, and brand owners to prevent youth access to electronic cigarettes. We have recently presented recommendations to the Department of Health and Social Care aimed at reducing the sales of electronic cigarettes to minors from the source. These include introducing a retailer licensing or approved retailer and distributor scheme; imposing fines of at least £10,000 per transaction for traders who disregard UK law; and introducing a national testing and procurement program to ensure all retail businesses meet high standards in preventing youth access to electronic cigarettes.


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