FEATURE
VAPING CAN IMPROVE HEALTH OF HOMELESS SMOKERS
A recent Irish study illuminates how free vaping products can have a positive impact on the health of homeless smokers .
Words : Caroline Barry
When it comes to tobacco harm reduction , the homeless community is typically thrown on the back burner , resulting in alarmingly high smoking rates . A recent Irish study examined the effect that access to free vaping products could have on homeless smokers . Study organiser Florian Scheibein is well qualified in this area and has helped shape harm reduction policies with the Simon Community homeless charity .
Florian , who is also a Board Member of the Network of Early Career Professionals in Addiction , spoke to Vapouround about his work . He said : “ We wanted a full spectrum , broad approach and one of the nurses mentioned tobacco in terms of a smoking ban . I thought a ban might be too extreme , but it made me think about tobacco harm reduction .” When it comes to discussing tobacco harm reduction for this group , Florian highlights that health may not be a primary concern in light of the struggle for shelter or survival . “ For people who experience homelessness , health may not be the top priority , as you are dealing with trying to find a home , trying to survive , your
120 VM32