NEWS
WANT TO QUIT SMOKING …?
… try using refillable vape systems instead - scientists say this method is up to five times more successful than other quitting tools .
Words : Jordan Millar
N ew research from King ’ s College London outlines the ‘ clear benefits ’ of daily e-cigarette use , highlighting the efficacy of refillable systems as cessation tools . The study , funded by Cancer Research UK , compared data from a survey of almost 1,200 people , including smokers , vapers and exsmokers who had quit within the last year . It found that , when used daily , refillable e-cigarettes were up to five times more likely to help people stop smoking than going cold turkey . It also showed that people who used disposable cartridges to kick the habit could increase their chances of success threefold . Lead author Dr Máirtín McDermott said : “ These findings are in line with previous research , showing that e-cigarettes are a more effective aid for quitting than nicotine replacement therapy and prescribed medication .” He stressed the importance of frequency , pointing out that consistency plays a key role in any quitting attempt . Despite continued evidence indicating the harm reduction benefits of e-cigarettes , the number of smokers taking up vaping has begun to plateau . This is often attributed to negative coverage in the mainstream media and the “ anti-vaping ” stance of bodies including the World Health Organization ( WHO ), which has been accused of ‘ disregarding the science ’ in its advice about e-cigarettes . As a result , tobacco smoking still remains the leading preventable cause of death and serious illness , killing an estimated 75,000 Brits in 2019 alone . Dr Leonie Brose of King ’ s College London said : “ Despite the World Health Organization ’ s cautious stance on e-cigarettes , studies like ours show they are one of the most effective quitting aids available . “ The WHO is especially concerned about refillable e-cigarettes , as these could allow the user to add harmful substances or higher levels of nicotine . “ However , we ’ ve shown that refillable types , in particular , are a very effective quitting aid when used daily , and this evidence should be factored into any future guidance around their use .”
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Despite the WHO ’ s cautious stance on e-cigarettes , studies like ours show they are one of the most effective quitting aids available .
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