Vaping is more effective than nicotine patches in helping pregnant smokers quit and is just as safe , according to new research . Dr Francesca Pesola from Queen Mary University London studied hundreds of pregnant smokers who had either used e-cigarettes or patches to give up . She said : “ We would only recommend the use of nicotine to smokers wanting to quit their regular cigarettes . Using an e-cigarette poses no greater risk to the mother or baby than nicotine patches , which are both better options than continuing to smoke throughout pregnancy .”
QUIT-E IMPRESSIVE
More Australian smokers could be encouraged to quit if the government relaxed its anti-vaping regulations , it is claimed . The country ’ s first study into vaping nicotine found that using e-cigarettes could increase the odds of successfully quitting by up to 124 percent . The study , published in the journal Addiction , suggested that vaping could be more effective than NRT and traditional stopsmoking medications . Its author , Dr Mark Chambers from the University of New South Wales , said : “ Improving access to nicotine e-cigarettes could be expected to assist some Australian smokers to quit .”
MALAYSIA 1 : DON ’ T BAN VAPING PLEA
The Malaysian government is being urged to remove vaping products from proposed legislation to tackle the country ’ s high smoking rates . The Anti-tobacco and Smoking Bill , due before parliament in July , would prohibit those born after 2004 from buying tobacco and vaping products . Rizani Zakaria , president of Malaysian Vape Industry Advocacy , said : “ Vape and traditional cigarettes are completely different products and should not be regulated the same way . The government should seek evidence from medical experts from abroad , instead of only listening to the opinions of the anti-vape industry .”
MALAYSIA 2 : WHY COUNTRY MUST EMBRACE THR
A top doctor says Malaysia must embrace ‘ innovative solutions ’ including vaping to encourage smokers to quit . Dr Arifin Fi said there was ‘ little evidence ’ that existing tobacco control strategies were working and said tobacco harm reduction would help tackle high smoking rates . He said 80 percent of Malaysians supported a regulated vape industry , adding : “ THR would allow smokers to switch to less harmful alternatives in their journey to quit completely .” Business leaders also say a regulated vape industry would create new jobs and attract foreign investment .
KEEP FLAVOURS SAY IRISH VAPERS
Almost half of Irish vapers would quit e-cigarettes if a flavour ban was introduced , according to a new survey . Market researchers Red C found that 90 percent of vapers opposed a flavour ban , with a majority ( 59 percent ) saying they would look online or abroad for products instead . Vape advocates have told politicians planning new vape regulations that they support restricting sales to minors but oppose banning or limiting flavours .
COLORADO SAVES FLAVOURS … ( AT LEAST FOR NOW )
A high-profile bill to ban vape flavours in Colorado has failed to make it past a Senate committee … but its supporters have vowed to try again . American Vapor Manufacturers Association president Amanda Wheeler said : “ Colorado rejecting the flavour ban is a signal for other jurisdictions to refocus public health efforts on what works … vaping . Nicotine vaping is the single most effective smoking cessation method ever devised .” However , Jodi Radke from pressure group Flavors Hook Kids said they would try to get the legislation introduced next year .
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