Do you mind if I vape? What about electronic cigarettes?

Advertisements for Vaping – or electronic cigarettes (also known as e-cigarettes) have been all over the media in recent months. I was intrigued by this and thought I’d do a little research into the issues. Theyare substitutes for cigarettes, may reduce smoking related diseases and are not taxed like tobacco; it seems like a topic ripe for an economics examination!

What is ‘vaping’?

Electronic cigarettes (or e-cigs) are shaped like a conventional cigarette but contain a nicotine gel, a battery and a heater that ‘vaporises’ (hence ‘vape’) the nicotine when the ‘vaper’ sucks on the e-cigarette. This gives a nicotine ‘hit’ without the harmful tar and other chemicals that are inhaled when smoking conventional cigarettes. As there is no smoke, it is permissible to ‘vape’ in places where smoking is prohibited. Vaping kits are being advertised as costing 30% the price of smoking conventional cigarettes and in the UK are available in a number of flavours. Some models have a light at the tip that glows when the e-cig is in use, further drawing a parallel with smoking.

Sounds great – is it safe?

It is the tar and other toxic chemicals in conventional cigarettes that lead to cancer, bronchitis, emphysema etc and therefore e-cigarettes seem to overcome those hazards. The nicotine is suspended in a gel that is used in other food products which is not known to have any harmful side effects. Smokers do not die from nicotine poisoning. Nevertheless, nicotine and derivatives are used as a pesticide and it is fatal to humans in large concentrations. Of course, nicotine itself is a highly addictive substance, just as much so as heroin or cocaine.

The BMA paper on electonic cigarettes says that these products have not been rigorously tested and this paper sets out their concerns. Whilst there may not be any known health risks, that doesn’t mean that there are problems that might rear their head at some future time. Although they produce no smoke – and hence there is no secondary smoking issue – they will produce a degree of secondary nicotine vapour.

How is it regulated?

It isn’t a tobacco product so it isn’t covered by UK laws on advertising or on smoking in the workplace or public places. Other nicotine smoking replacement products (such as gum and patches) are regulated as
medicines so e-cigarette manufacturers are not allowed to market their products as stop smoking aids unless they agree to fall under the medicine regulations. Some EU states have cracked down on e-cigs and in the USA they have banned all flavourings except menthol (which is also commonly used in cigarettes) as there was a worry that flavoured products might be used to attract children.

Will it help smokers give up?

E-cigarettes deliver nicotine in a way that is similar to smoking. They also can help reduce craving as the action of placing the e-cig in the mouth is also similar to smoking. They do, therefore, offer another
option for those looking to kick the smoking habit. Indeed, ‘nicotine addicts’ do not in fact need to give up at all, as they can continue to ‘vape’. This is important, as some smokers cannot, or are unwilling to, give up their nicotine habit.

Will non-smokers take up ‘vaping’ – and does it matter?

There is a worry that e-cigarettes might entice children or other new users to take up nicotine use. As mentioned earlier, we are not sure about the risks but by all accounts they are far less dangerous than
cigarettes. It could also form a costly addiction which many cannot afford and may regret taking up.

What about tax?

Cigarettes and other tobacco products are heavily taxed in the UK. E-cigarettes are not a tobacco product and are not taxed in the same way. The main argument for tax on cigarettes is to try to reduce smoking so, if
e-cigarettes can help smokers give up, then the loss of tax revenue should be accompanied by improvements in health – a desirable outcome.

What does the government need to do about it?

On the face of it, e-cigs are a much safer alternative to smoking.
However, there are a number of issues that need to be addressed:

• Should they be classified and regulated as a smoking replacement product (and therefore be treated as over the counter medicines)?
• If so, should they be provided free of charge via GPs to help smokers give up?
• Where should they be sold what age limit should be applied?
• Does there need to be more research done on health risks and to ensure the safety of products on the market?
• Should advertising continue to be allowed on TV, radio and in the press?