World No Tobacco Day Warning
A warning about a ‘misperception epidemic’ on World No Tobacco Day has been issued by campaigning group the World Vapers’ Alliance
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by Dave Cross
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A warning about a ‘misperception epidemic’ on World No Tobacco Day has been issued by campaigning group the World Vapers’ Alliance. World No Tobacco Day is set to take place today, the 31 May, and the World Vapers’ Alliance is raising the alarm about the rampant misinformation being given out regarding tobacco harm reduction by duplicitous public health bodies.
The World Vapers’ Alliance says: “Recent research by Ipsos for the think tank ‘We Are Innovation’ reveals that 74% of smokers worldwide wrongly believe that vaping is as harmful or more harmful than smoking. This dangerous misconception, fuelled by misinformation, is preventing millions from switching to a scientifically proven, less harmful alternative.”
“The WHO has turned World No Tobacco Day into a propaganda day” - Michael Landl, WVA Director
Michael Landl, director of the WVA, stated: “The WHO has turned World No Tobacco Day into a propaganda day. Sweden is about to become smoke-free thanks to alternative nicotine products. The WHO needs to stop fighting alternative nicotine products and start backing them as keys to a smoke-free future. The WHO’s false claims are fuelling a deadly misperception epidemic. Smokers deserve the truth: vaping is significantly less harmful than smoking. Accurate knowledge could save millions of lives.”
This stance is supported by recent research and statements from public health authorities such as the UK’s National Health Service, which has published a guide to "Vaping Myths and Facts," debunking significant misconceptions about vaping to help smokers access high-quality information. However, misinformation from influential bodies like the WHO perpetuates false beliefs, hindering smokers' access to life-saving alternatives.
Additionally, the WVA is organising a protest in front of the WHO headquarters on World Vape Day, May 30th, in Geneva. This demonstration aims to compel the WHO to finally listen to consumers and acknowledge the scientific evidence supporting vaping, nicotine pouches, and similar products as valid harm-reduction tools.
The World Vapers’ Alliance says it, “amplifies the voices of vapers worldwide and empowers them to make a difference in their communities. Our members are vapers associations as well as individual vapers from all over the world.”
Michael Landl is the director of the World Vapers’ Alliance. He is from Austria and is based in Vienna. 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, as well as in the German Parliament.
References:
- The World Vapers’ Alliance - www.worldvapersalliance.com
Photo Credit:
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
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.
