In Atlanta, scientists have demonstrated the health potential of vaping
During a recent convention in Atlanta, a Tennessee researcher revealed the conclusions of a large-scale epidemiological study. Electronic cigarette use considerably increased the chances of quitting smoking.
During this event, organised by the American Public Health Association, Tennessee ministry of health official Ransom Wyse unveiled the results of the study. The project involved a panel of 6167 participants, including 1178 smokers. Data analysis revealed that a quarter of tobacco addicts were also regular e-cig users. Furthermore, those who both smoke and vape were on average 3.5 times more likely to quit smoking. Finally vindicated, it appears vaping enthusiasts were right: vaping helps people quit smoking. Indeed, attempts to quit smoking hover at 83% for smokers who also vape, compared to 60% for those who smoke cigarettes exclusively.
The results highlight the essential role that electronic cigarettes can play in smoking cessation efforts and initiatives. Ransom Wyse ended his speech with encouragement to share this information widely to promote public awareness.
France takes the opposite approach
As the APHA discussed the positive potential of e-cigarettes, a study published in the French Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin reached a different conclusion.
Indeed, the authors determined that vaping could not help smokers quit cigarettes entirely. According to this study, electronic cigarettes only served to reduce the number of traditional cigarettes consumed. However the survey, undertaken in France, did not considered it relevant to include former smokers who had taken up vaping. The population under scrutiny counted 1805 cigarette smokers, and 252 smokers who also vaped regularly. The conditions of the study make it impossible to determine the impact of vaping on smoking cessation.
The variance between the results of these two studies highlight the critical importance of relying on a representative population sample to reach conclusive results.