Vaping

Dear constituent,

Thank you for contacting me about the World Health Organization’s (WHO) position on electronic nicotine delivery systems, including e-cigarettes.

In July, the WHO published its eighth report on the global tobacco epidemic, which described e-cigarettes as “harmful” and called on governments to implement tougher regulations. I understand the concerns you raise about the report, which are shared by many in the sector including the UK Vaping Industry Association.

E-cigarettes can be valuable as an aid to help smokers quit. They are part of the drive towards a smoke free society and evidence shows that vaping is positively associated with quit success. A 2018 study by Public Health England concluded that vaping is “at least 95% less harmful than smoking”.

The ninth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP9) to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control took place from 8-12 November 2021. The Government said it is not aware of any proposals from countries involved in COP9 regarding plans to support vaping devices as harm reduction tools.

The Public Health Minister confirmed that, in a video statement to COP9, she set out the UK’s commitment to having comprehensive tobacco control policies, including a strong regulatory framework for e-cigarettes. Ministers said they recognise that e-cigarettes play a vital role in helping smokers to quit and will continue to advocate for their use as part of a comprehensive approach.

A UK review of the regulatory framework on tobacco and related products, including e-cigarettes, is expected to be published later this year. Findings from the review will inform a new Tobacco Control Plan, which the Government said will set out a range of measures to help smokers to quit, including the use of less harmful products such as e-cigarettes.

In October 2021, the Department of Health and Social Care confirmed that the medical regulator is working with e-cigarette manufacturers to assess safety and effectiveness of products, with a view to making them available on prescription within the NHS in England

I believe e-cigarettes must be a feature of any plan to reduce smoking prevalence. I hope that the Government, via their role in the WHO, will push harder for stronger and clearer messages, based on the data and evidence. Ministers should also seek to regulate this market through the regulations review in a way that promotes quality and safety, while protecting young people.

Thank you once again for contacting me about this issue.

Yours sincerely,

 Peter Dowd MP