10.2. SR 09-08-2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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E-cigarettes: an evidence update 56 Of concern is that data suggest that some smokers may not continue to use EC instead of smoking because of a misguided belief that EC would be harmful to their health. In the ASH Smokers’ survey 2014, the second most frequently endorsed disadvantage was “They might not be safe enough as a product” (35%) among smokers who had tried an EC but were not using one anymore. Similarly, in a survey of US respondents, among 227 respondents who had tried EC in the past, were no longer using them but were still smoking cigarettes [44], the most frequently endorsed reason was that EC didn’t feel enough like smoking cigarettes, followed by dislike of the taste and that they were bad for health. It would appear therefore that these respondents stopped EC use in favour of continuing to smoke more deadly cigarettes. Summary of findings A number of surveys in different populations provide evidence that reducing the harm from smoking (such as through cutting down on their cigarette consumption or helping with withdrawal during temporary abstinence) and the desire to quit smoking cigarettes are the most important reasons for using EC. Curiosity appears to play a major role in experimentation. Most trial of EC does not lead to regular use and while there is less evidence on why trial does not become regular use, it appears that trial due to curiosity is less likely to lead to regular use than trial for reasons such as stopping smoking or reducing harm. Dissatisfaction with products and safety concerns may deter continued EC use. Policy implications o Smokers frequently state that they are using EC to give up smoking. They should therefore be provided with advice and support to encourage them to quit smoking completely. o Other reasons for use include reducing the harm from smoking and such efforts should be supported but with a long-term goal of stopping smoking completely. Harm perceptions