# Interview
VAPING AS AN ALTERNATIVE
In February 2018 Imperial Tobacco ’ s Corporate and Legal Affairs team invited Riccardo Polosa , MD and an expert in respiratory diseases . Mr . Polosa took part in the parliamentary hearings of the Russian State Duma on establishing legal framework for the regulation of turnover and consumption of nicotine-containing products which do not require smoking .
– Mr . Polosa , could you please tell us about the parliamentary hearings in which you took part ?
– My impressions about the meeting in the State Duma are good enough , the conversation was constructive and fruitful . I spoke about the results of researching into vaping in the advanced science . I believe that currently there are all conditions for adopting a separate law on the regulation of innovative nicotine-containing products in Russia . This will certainly improve public health .
– This is a highly relevant issue in Russia : at present , a special bill regarding regulation of the new generation of products has been prepared . You have been researching vaping for a long time . Could you please tell us about your experience of working with other countries ?
THIS IS THE FIRST TIME WHEN THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE OF THE UK OFFICIALLY CALLED ON SMOKERS TO STOP SMOKING CIGARETTES AND SWITCH TO VAPE PENS
– I have reviewed this bill and , in my opinion , it meets the requirements of the most advanced regulatory frameworks in its current form , for instance , the regulatory frameworks in the UK and New Zealand with which I have cooperated . Of course , this is just a bill now , and the situation will depend mainly on the evidence , facts and data which will be provided . The bill is very reasonable , but it is very important to pay careful attention to details .
For instance , the Department of Health and Social Care of the UK recommends vaping as an alternative to smoking . Besides , they teach doctors and medical personnel how to help smokers give up smoking by switching to vape pens . Thus , last October this organization launched an advertising campaign about how to give up smoking by using vaping devices . Please note this historic moment : this is the first time when the Department of Health and Social Care of the UK officially called on smokers to stop smoking cigarettes and switch to vape pens .
Riccardo Polosa , MD , PhD , Professor of the Institute for Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology of the University of Catania in Italy , an expert in respiratory diseases and clinical immunology , head of the Institute of Internal and Emergency Medicine .
• Author of more than 50 publications on the issues of respiratory medicine , clinical immunology , tobacco addiction and reducing harm from tobacco consumption .
• He has studied diseases related to tobacco consumption since 2009 , he researches the impact of innovative products on human health , for instance , reduction of the risks to smokers ’ health through the use of vape .
• In cooperation with other scientists he developed and conducted the only research into the consequences of long-term use of vaping devices .
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