Vaping: A blessing or a curse?

EU member states agreed earlier this month in Brussels to reduce exposure to second-hand smoke in some outdoor spaces, including playgrounds and cafe patios. The adopted recommendation calls on EU countries to extend restrictions on cigarettes to cover products such as heated tobacco devices and electronic cigarettes, writes Colin Stevens.

The adopted recommendation is not legally binding but it has given rise to a heated debate in the European Parliament. A resolution failed to pass in plenary on 28 November. Many MEP’s - including those of EPP - would like to exclude novel tobacco products, such as vaping devices and electronic cigarettes from the recommendation.

Speaking to Euronews, Laurent Castillo, a French MEP from the EPP declared: “I am a doctor, I am a professor of medicine and for me scientific evidence is of utmost importance. And we supported this change [in the resolution] because, today, two things were missing: an impact study on places, especially on terraces, and then, the relevance of electronic cigarettes. A very recent [medical] congress has just shown that electronic cigarettes help patients to stop smoking."

A public health breakthrough

In recent years, vaping has become a contentious issue, with debates often overshadowing its primary benefit: reducing smoking-related deaths. Public discussions are increasingly focused on the potential dangers of vaping, while the devastating harm caused by smoking is often overlooked. In 2022, UK experts reviewed the international evidence and found that "in the short and medium-term, vaping poses a small fraction of the risks of smoking".

Cigarettes release thousands of different chemicals when they burn – many are poisonous and up to 70 cause cancer. Most of the harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke, including tar and carbon monoxide, are not contained in vape aerosol.

People who switch completely from smoking to vaping have significantly reduced exposure to toxins associated with risks of cancer, lung disease, heart disease and stroke.

Vaping is considered one of the most effective methods for cessation of smoking, with success rates estimated between 60% and 74%. It has facilitated the transition away from cigarettes for millions of individuals.

As reported by UK’s Action on Smoking and Health - an independent public health charity set up by the Royal College of Physicians to end the harm caused by tobacco - more than half of those who successfully quit smoking in the last five years utilized vaping products, totalling approximately 2.7 million people.

However, initiatives designed to limit vaping, including flavour restrictions, increased taxes, and prohibitions on some novel tobacco products, pose a significant risk to the advancements made in smoking cessation.

While vaping is not entirely risk-free, its dangers are minimal compared to those of smoking. Studies show that the cancer risk from e-cigarette emissions is less than 1% of that from tobacco smoke. While some vaping liquids may contain small amounts of harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and nitrosamines, these levels are negligible compared to the toxic mix found in cigarette smoke, which includes arsenic, carbon monoxide, and nearly 70 carcinogens.

Nevertheless, misinformation remains widespread. Many smokers in the EU now wrongly believe that vaping is as harmful, or even more harmful, than smoking. This misconception may discourage smokers from switching to a safer alternative.

Successful harm reduction paradigms from Sweden and Japan

Sweden is a global pioneer in reducing smoking rates, with only 5% of adults still smoking, a dramatic drop from over 20% two decades ago. This success is attributed to a progressive harm-reduction approach that promotes alternatives such as snus (a smokeless tobacco product), nicotine pouches, and vaping. The country has achieved a 55% decline in smoking rates over the past ten years alone, contributing to 44% fewer tobacco-related deaths and 41% lower cancer rates compared to other EU nations.

Innovative policies like reducing taxes on snus while increasing those on cigarettes have shifted public behavior. Studies suggest that snus has saved approximately 3,000 lives annually in Sweden by providing a safer alternative to smoking. Notably, Sweden’s youth smoking rate is just 3% among 16-29-year-olds, ensuring a "smoke-free" generation.

Sweden’s strategy includes strict implementation of tobacco control measures but allows safer alternatives to thrive. This balance has inspired calls for the EU to adopt Sweden's harm-reduction model, showcasing that accessible, scientifically validated alternatives can dramatically improve public health outcomes.

In Japan, adoption of heated tobacco products (HTPs) has revolutionized its tobacco landscape, with cigarette sales plummeting by nearly 50% between 2014 and 2024. Currently, over 30% of Japanese smokers have switched to HTPs, leading to one of the sharpest declines in smoking rates globally. HTPs emit up to 90% fewer harmful chemicals compared to traditional cigarettes, significantly reducing exposure to toxic substances.

The Japanese government has facilitated this shift by categorizing HTPs separately from cigarettes and allowing them to be marketed as lower-risk options. Meanwhile, nicotine-containing e-cigarettes remain restricted, underscoring the country’s preference for regulated, evidence-backed harm-reduction tools. As of 2024, Japan has one of the lowest smoking prevalence rates in the world.

Public health experts highlight Japan's success as a model for countries aiming to reduce tobacco harm without enforcing outright bans. The nation’s tobacco harm-reduction policies demonstrate that innovative products, supported by appropriate regulation, can drastically cut smoking rates while preserving consumer choice.

Moving Forward

The moral panic surrounding vaping could undo years of progress in public health. While regulating vaping to protect young people is essential, these efforts must not hinder adult smokers from accessing a safer alternative. By balancing regulation with education, the European Union should make decisive steps to ensure that vaping continues to play a critical role in the fight against smoking.

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