F E AT U R E
These are extracts from the five
principles set out in the report:
1. Make clear the distinction between vaping and smoking.
Based on the international peer-reviewed evidence, e-cigarettes carry a fraction of the risk
of cigarettes and have the potential to help drive down smoking rates and improve public
health. To the extent that they cut the number of smoking role models, reduce public smoking
and provide a role model for the rejection of smoking, e-cigarette s can help to denormalise
smoking. Therefore policies should make clear the distinction between vaping and smoking.
When communicating an organisation’s policy on e-cigarette use, make clear the distinction
between vaping and smoking and to avoid confusion, do not use smoking terminology when
referring to e-cigarettes.
2. Ensure policies are informed by the evidence on health risks to bystanders.
International evidence indicates that the risk to the health of bystanders from exposure to
e-cigarette vapour is extremely low, in contrast to the conclusive evidence of harm from
exposure to secondhand smoke. The evidence of harm from secondhand exposure to
vapour is not sufficient to justify the prohibition of e-cigarettes. Managers of public places and
workplaces should ensure that this evidence informs their risk assessments. E-cigarette use is
not covered by smokefree legislation and should not rou tinely be included in the requirements
of an organisation’s smokefree policy. Where a decision is taken to allow vaping in an
enclosed place, policies could consider some simple etiquette guidelines for vapers, such as
minimising the production of visible vapour.
3. Identify and manage risks of uptake by children and young people.
E-cigarette use is not recommended for young people . However, because adult smokers use
e-cigarettes to quit smoking and stay smokefree, the products can help reduce children’s and
young people’s exposure to secondhand smoke and smoking role models.
In developing policies on e - cigarette use in child and youth settings it is appropriate to guard
against potential youth uptake, while balancing this with the need to foster an environment
where it is easier for adults not to smoke.
4. Support smokers to stop smoking and stay smokefree.
E - cigarettes are used almost exclusively by smokers and ex-smokers and are now the
most popular stop smoking aid in England . To support smokers to stop smoking and stay
smokefree, a more enabling approach may be appropriate in relation to vaping to make it
an easier choice than smoking. In particular, vapers should not be required to use the same
space as smokers, as this could undermine their ability to quit smoking and stay smokefree,
particularly among those most heavily addicted. It is never acceptable to require vapers to
share the same outdoor space with smokers. Where a designated outdoor smoking area has
been provided in a public place or workplace, vapers should be allowed to vape elsewhere.
5. Support compliance with smokefree law and policies.
Compliance with smokefree requirements can be maintained and supported by emphasising
a clear distinction between smoking and vaping. Managers should indicate accurately where
vaping is permitted or prohibited, and communicate the policy clearly to everyone it affects.
While some e-cigarettes physically resemble cigarettes, the distinctive odour and ash of lit
tobacco makes it generally easy to distinguish between someone who is vaping and someone
who is smoking.
VAPOUROUND MAGAZINE ISSUE 06 91