A new survey into the vaping habits of former smokers in the Netherlands demonstrates just how effective the reduced risk alternative really is .
THE SURVEY ’ S KEY FINDINGS INCLUDED :
reported improved health since switching . Most reported a decrease in coughing ( 70 percent ), improved condition ( 69 percent ), increased smelling / tasting ( 64 percent ) and less shortness of breath ( 62 percent ).
Interestingly , almost all the vapers surveyed were former smokers ( 96 percent ), while more than three-quarters had tried other cessation aids without success .
More than three quarters of Dutch vapers would still be smoking if they had not discovered e-cigarettes , it has been revealed .
This was just one of the findings from a large survey carried out by Dutch vape advocacy group Acvoda and trade association Esigbond .
Just under 3,000 current vapers were quizzed about their move from traditional cigarettes and , for many , it was a difficult journey .
The survey found that , on average , former smokers had tried to stop smoking five times before they found a solution that worked for them .
In line with similar surveys around the world , the number one reason for switching was wanting a less harmful alternative to cigarettes .
There are around 400,000 e-cigarette users in the Netherlands with an average age of 45 . When it came to overall wellbeing , nine in ten vapers
Switched to vaping because they wanted a less harmful way to consume nicotine
Said they switched because they wanted to quit smoking
Of vapers said flavours played an important role in their switch from cigarettes
A third of smokers who had tried quitting with nicotine gum , sprays or patches said they later returned to smoking .
Emil ‘ t Hart , chairman of the vape shop trade association Esigbond , said : “ This study shows that many ex-smokers would actually continue to smoke if it were not for the e-cigarette .
“ Flavours explain part of the success , as for many quitters , the flavours are essential in switching from the regular cigarette to the less harmful e-cigarette .”
This research shows that the e-cigarette deserves a place in anti-smoking policy and that it is very unwise to make the e-cigarette unattractive by banning flavours .
- Emil ‘ t Hart
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