This is a new study that will inevitably be debated in the world of vaping! Seven out of ten Belgians consider e-cigarettes to be as harmful as smoking, a figure that is not really favorable to a risk reduction tool that has proven its worth!
DANGEROUS VAPING? POPULATION FOR A STRICTER FRAMEWORK?
A study conducted by British American Tobacco reveals that seven out of ten Belgians consider vaping to be as harmful as smoking.
A result that obviously does not delight the multinational. « They thus reject the opinion of scientists and health organizations who consider that electronic cigarettes are less harmful. UK government organization Public Health England has concluded that vaping is up to 95% less harmful than smoking. In Belgium, Tabacstop and the Fondation contre le cancer are not against vaping when it helps adults quit smoking « , insists BAT.
The study also reveals that 60,6% believe that vaping is dangerous and 65,1% call for stricter legislation. While they remain significant, these figures have tended to drop since 2019 (there were 69,9% and 74% respectively, Editor's note).
« According to the latest figures from Sciensano, almost 90% of all Belgian vapers are (ex-) smokers. Many of them could quit smoking and lead a healthier lifestyle through vaping. However, they are reluctant to resort to this aid due to the mistaken and overly negative image of vaping. It is therefore not surprising that more than eight in ten Belgians want the government to inform them more « , indicate Pieter Van Bastelaere, Senior Manager Engagement & Communication of British American Tobacco.
