Electronic cigarettes, a better alternative to tobacco but not without risks

Requested by the Federal Public Health Service and based on the most recent publications, the Belgian Superior Health Council (CSS) published a new overview on June 28[1] scientific teachings concerning the electronic cigarette. For the CSS, the electronic cigarette is clearly less harmful than traditional cigarettes and can be proposed as an "aid to quit smoking". The Council recalls, however, that the electronic cigarette is not without risks and is potentially dangerous.

In 2015, the Higher Health Council had already indicated in an opinion that the use of electronic cigarettes could be integrated into the fight against smoking under certain conditions but that the emphasis should be placed on reducing the accessibility of tobacco products.

The electronic cigarette can be a weaning tool

The Council considers that the electronic cigarette can be an aid to completely quitting smoking, but it advises against it for non-smokers and, in particular, for young people.

"E-cigarettes may provide health benefits to smokers, but only if they quit smoking cigarettes completely. However, for ex-smokers who switch completely to e-cigarettes, some risks remain.", weights the CSS.

The report recalls that data on the long-term use of e-cigarettes are currently insufficient and that their use should be considered as a temporary means of completely stopping smoking and, preferably, subsequently stopping vaping.

More monitoring needed on flavors and ingredients

In its advisory report, the CSS calls for stricter monitoring of existing ingredients and flavourings in vaping products. For example, flavours and aromas in e-cigarettes are generally approved for use in food products, but their effects when inhaled are still insufficiently known. There are now more than 1,800 substances on the market.

For the Council, it is therefore necessary to "freeze" the current e-liquid market. No new ingredients should therefore be authorised. In the meantime, the effects of inhaling e-liquids and ingredients that are already on the market must be investigated. If harmful effects are found, the ingredients should be withdrawn from the market as quickly as possible. The current practice, whereby manufacturers can market e-liquids containing ingredients that have not been tested for their mode of use, is unacceptable, the report states.

In terms of packaging, the CSS requires reducing the attractiveness of the packaging and further enforcing the ban on advertising for these products, particularly on social networks.

Focus on reducing smoking

The CSS believes that the use of vaping products can play a role in tobacco control policy under certain conditions, but that the priority must be to reduce the consumption and accessibility of tobacco products. The Council invites public authorities to properly apply Article 5.3 of the WHO Framework Convention. This article aims to protect public policies, both in their development and implementation, from the influence of the tobacco industry. The CSS also recommends the implementation of strong tax policies, a drastic reduction in the number of points of sale, the reimbursement of nicotine replacement treatments, and better care for smokers by health professionals.

©Generation Without Tobacco

AE