Vaping and forms of smokeless tobacco have gained popularity as harm reduction options for millions of ex-smokers around the world.
Evidence shows that such products are both vastly safer than cigarettes and effective ways of quitting them. But in the last few years, we have simultaneously seen a dramatic increase in fear-mongering around these options, led by national and local governments, well funded nonprofits and the World Health Organization.
In the United States, the political and media fixation has been on a supposed youth vaping “epidemic,” despite a steep recent decline in youth vaping. This narrative ignores the predominantly marginalized adults who are dying of smoking-related causes at a rate of almost half a million a year. Yet to many opponents of tobacco harm reduction (THR), nothing other than abstinence from nicotine should be our goal.
“Surely it would make sense for every smoker who benefits from syringe access to be offered vapes as well?”
Kevin Garcia – Filter – 2021-10-05.
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