Thread by @ATHRA_AU

The plan to ban #vaping is a disaster for public health

This article in @ConversationEDU is fatally flawed by

▪️Cherrypicking data
▪️Misinformation and false claims
▪️Lack of context
▪️Exaggerating harms
▪️Understating benefits
theconversation.com/making-it-hard…

“evidence for #ecigs helping people quit smoking is inconclusive”

#vaping is more effective than nicotine replacement therapy in randomised controlled trials and is increasing quit rates in countries such as the UK and US
colinmendelsohn.com.au/wp-content/upl…

“#cig use in US secondary schools increased 78% in 12m”

▪️Most youth vaping is experimental, short term
▪️Regular use by never-smokers is rare
▪️Nearly all smoke b4 they vape
▪️Vaping is diverting kids from smoking

Youth smoking fell by 25% in 2019 ‼️

bit.ly/2WjcXZT

“no scientific basis for being 95% harmful”

This estimate is based on comprehensive evidence reviews by @RCPLondon + @PHE_uk

Switching to #vaping ➡️
▪️dramatic reduction in harmful toxins
▪️substantially reduced 'biomarkers'
▪️improved health outcomes
bit.ly/32fSp8c

“the tobacco industry and retail sector promote #ecigs”

In the US, promotion is unfettered due to Constitutional barriers. In the UK, advertising is strictly controlled. Australia should follow the UK model
bit.ly/3eszhGs

“nicotine is poisonous and toxic”

In the doses used in #vaping #nicotine is relatively benign

“it is widely accepted that any long-term hazards of nicotine are likely to be of minimal consequence in relation to ... continued tobacco use” UK RCP
bit.ly/2CBGXZJ

"The restrictions will prevent profiteers from addicting young Australians to harmful products"

No. It will be easier for youth to buy a #cig than #vape. The black market will flourish and sell to children. Thousands of vapers will return to smoking
bit.ly/3etfqHj

Correction: should be ecig use