Hungary Ignores Science
The Hungarian Government has been denounced for its neglect of the scientific evidence about vaping by the World Vapers' Alliance
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by Dave Cross
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Michael Landl, Director of the World Vapers' Alliance, stated: “It's deeply concerning that the Hungarian Government chooses to sidestep the vast body of scientific evidence supporting vaping as a viable harm-reduction tool. Their attempt to marginalise the success of the Swedish model is a regressive move and not befitting of a government that should prioritise public health.”
The World Vapers' Alliance points out that Sweden has the lowest smoking rate in the EU and is the only country on track to achieve the European Union's smoke-free goal. Notably, Sweden’s smoking rate has plummeted by 55% over the last ten years.
The Swedish success story contrasts strongly with that of the rest of Europe with the average smoking rate across the rest of the European Union being more than 3.5 times higher. In turn, the success at combatting smoking has led to a huge reduction in smoking-related deaths, now being 22% lower in Sweden than the EU average.
This has been due to Sweden embracing tobacco harm reduction. So, while Swedish nicotine consumption is similar to most other EU countries, the cancer incidence is 41% lower than in the rest of Europe, with total cancer deaths being 38% lower.
The Hungarian Government’s statement is a written response to a question asked by MP Laszló Lukács regarding the future treatment of vaping by the Hungarian government and alludes to Hungary’s achievements, occasionally suggesting they surpass the efforts of other EU nations.
“However,” the World Vapers' Alliance says, “their evident disregard for the very real benefits of products such as nicotine pouches, snus and e-cigarettes betrays a concerning disconnect from the international scientific and public health communities.”
Michael Landl continued: “We can't afford to let politics overshadow science, especially in matters of public health. Denying the positive impact of vaping and other alternatives, which have successfully reduced smoking rates in places like Sweden, is not only scientifically unfounded but also morally questionable.”
The World Vapers’ Alliance has called on the Hungarian Government to recalibrate their stance based on evidence and to prioritise genuine harm reduction.
Landl concluded by saying: “The goal should be clear: to reduce the harm of smoking. Hungary can't achieve this by ignoring successful models and denying the science.”
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.”
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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