Hungary’s Denial Poses Risks
Hungary’s science denial about vaping risks thousands of lives, according to the World Vapers’ Alliance
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by Dave Cross
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Michael Landl, Director of the World Vapers’ Alliance, said: “It is shocking that the Hungarian government still peddles worn-out and debunked myths about vaping. Rétvári systematically ignores scientific evidence proving the benefits of vaping, not to mention the first-hand experience of millions of vapers. Vaping is 95% less harmful than smoking and a more effective method to quit smoking than traditional therapies such as gum and patches. The Hungarian approach to vaping will do nothing but cost lives.”
Michael Landl is from Austria and is based in Vienna. He says he is an experienced policy professional and a passionate vaper. He studied at the University of St. Gallen and worked for several public policy outlets and in the German Parliament.
The statement is a written response to a question asked by MP Laszló Lukács regarding the future treatment of vaping by the Hungarian government.
Furthermore, the government refuses to recognize the success of other countries that follow a harm-reduction approach. If they did so, it would become clear that the current approach is wrong. The United Kingdom and Sweden experience record-low smoking rates and fewer smoking-induced illnesses than Hungary because they encourage smokers to switch by smart regulation. At the same time, the Hungarian government continues its failing prohibitionist approach.
“The statement shows that Hungary intends to keep ignoring science and spreading misinformation about vaping. This is not a good sign for public health. Vaping is not the same as smoking and must be treated differently. Equating a 95% less harmful alternative with smoking will prevent thousands of smokers from quitting,” added Michael Landl.
The World Vapers’ Alliance says it “amplifies the voice of vapers worldwide and empowers them to make a difference in their communities. Our members are vapers associations and individual vapers from all over the world.”
References:
- The World Vapers’ Alliance - www.worldvapersalliance.com
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Dave Cross
Journalist at POTVDave is a freelance writer; with articles on music, motorbikes, football, pop-science, vaping and tobacco harm reduction in Sounds, Melody Maker, UBG, AWoL, Bike, When Saturday Comes, Vape News Magazine, and syndicated across the Johnston Press group. He was published in an anthology of “Greatest Football Writing”, but still believes this was a mistake. Dave contributes sketches to comedy shows and used to co-host a radio sketch show. He’s worked with numerous start-ups to develop content for their websites.
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