When quizzed on the existing scientific consensus on the safety of dual use compared with other cessation methods , Professor Hajek told us “ The data is somewhat unclear . In some studies , dual users reduced their toxin intake as you would expect , but in some they did not differ much from people who only smoked .”
He sees the research as “ asking an open question rather than trying to generate a predetermined result .”
We were also curious to know which pieces of conventional wisdom on dual use the professor thought this new venture would challenge .
“ The most interesting information will probably concern the rate at which dual users stop smoking , the period of dual use needed to get to that point , and which variables ( such as type of e-cigarette or e-liquid ) are associated with such outcomes .”
It ’ s hoped these findings will better inform public policy .
“ Dual use is a largely unknown territory . Some people think it ’ s bad and that it may in fact prevent quitting altogether , others see it as a necessary step in the right direction . We hope to clarify some of these issues .”
The researchers have laid out the following conditions to inclusion in the study .
1 . Participants must be 18 or over and currently using both an e-cigarette and combustible cigarettes
2 . This use must occur on the same or separate days , for at least one day a week
3 . Participants will be asked questions about their vaping and smoking over the telephone or internet at three-month intervals over a year
4 . The surveys should take approximately 10 minutes each to complete . Participants will receive a £ 15 voucher as compensation for their time .
Should the university secure sufficient funds to extend the follow-up period to a full decade as desired , Professor Hajek informed us that the researchers would also “ like to monitor biomarkers of risk and health outcomes . Not just in dual users but also in people who stop smoking and only vape long term , as well as people who stop smoking and do not vape , and people who continue to smoke .”
Though scientific research must always be impartial and pursued in an unbiased fashion , the case for vaping is getting stronger , and the industry is confident that new academic endeavours will prove favourable .
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