WVA Speaks Up on Rates and Bans

According to poll results revealed by Gallup, the organisation highlights that cigarette smoking in the US has dropped to an all-time low of 11%. Among young Americans, smoking is even less common, with just 6% of people under 30 saying they light up. However, what's missing from the conversation is the crucial role that vaping has played in achieving this public health milestone.

Michael Landl, Director of the World Vapers’ Alliance, commented: “The US is on the verge of having a smoke-free Gen Z generation, yet instead of celebrating, vaping is under attack. This doesn’t make any sense. The latest smoking rates clearly show that the myth of vaping being a gateway to smoking needs to be put to rest. Vaping is not a gateway to smoking; it’s a gateway away from smoking. Harm reduction works, even though politicians are making it harder for smokers to switch. It’s time to wake up!

“The Gallup poll results make it clear that treating vaping as a consumer-friendly option is not just a matter of preference but a public health necessity. Every smoker who switches to vaping is making a choice that could extend their life and lessen the strain on healthcare systems. Despite the overwhelming evidence, policymakers worldwide are pushing measures that could undo the public health progress we’ve seen.”

Turning to events in the United Kingdom, Michael Landl added: "Sir Keir Starmer’s plan to ban disposable vapes is a direct attack on harm reduction and will hurt the very people Labour claims to protect. By making it harder for smokers to switch to safer alternatives, this policy is a gift to the illegal market. It's disgraceful that a Labour government would push a policy that hits the poor the most, effectively taking away a vital tool that helps them quit smoking."

The World Vapers’ Alliance believes the proposed ban on disposable vapes could reverse years of progress in reducing smoking rates in the UK.

Research from University College London and King's College London warns that such a ban could slow the decline in smoking prevalence, putting the health of 2.6 million people at risk.

Landl concluded: “This isn’t just a step backwards; it’s a reckless move that could push current vapers back to smoking or into the illegal market, worsening health inequalities and jeopardising the health of millions.”

References:

• Cigarette Smoking Rate in U.S. Ties 80-Year Low - https://news.gallup.com/poll/648521/cigarette-smoking-rate-ties-year-low.aspx

Dave Cross

Journalist at POTV

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Dave 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.