NEWS
OPEN SYSTEMS ARE UNDER ATTACK …
… but UK vapers have nothing to fear , as our government is having none of it .
Words : Patrick Griffin
The World Health Organization report which sparked the Sun ’ s “ Vaping to be BANNED in UK ” story , is an attack on open systems and makes worrying reading for vapers . It calls for bans on :
• all activities related to the commercial marketing of electronic nicotine delivery systems … including in social media and through organisations funded by and associated with the tobacco industry and electronic nicotine delivery systems and
• electronic non-nicotine delivery systems over which the user can control device features and liquid ingredients ( that is , open systems )
While the UK supports using e-cigarettes ( whether closed or open systems ) to help smokers quit , there are many governments which take the opposite view . The WHO can be highly influential when lawmakers develop vaping policy , with around 40 countries imposing vaping restrictions or outright bans . The World Vapers ’ Alliance said the WHO ’ s stance offered “ a slew of options that have nothing to do with improving public health or helping people quit smoking .” Its director , Michael Landl , told Vapouround :“ These recommendations are nothing less than an attack on vapers , and unfortunately also on public health . “ Open systems have allowed millions to quit . A proposal to ban them would be irresponsible and would drive a lot of consumers back to cigarettes .
“ To recommend countries prohibit proper communication about risks of different products is equally absurd . Vaping is less harmful than smoking , smokers have the right to know this and public authorities have a responsibility to communicate it .” Landl also wrote to the WHO ’ s Executive Board , expressing his organisation ’ s concerns at its recommendations . He wrote : “ Scientific evidence and real-life experience from millions of vapers worldwide clearly shows that vaping is a highly successful cessation instrument for many people . “ The UK is considered one of the most liberal countries when it comes to vaping . “ It is estimated that 196 million adults in 60 countries could switch from smoking to less harmful vaping if a similar approach towards vaping would be implemented in these countries .”
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Open systems have allowed millions to quit . A proposal to ban them would be irresponsible and would drive a lot of consumers back to cigarettes .
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