57% of French people believe that electronic cigarettes represent a lower risk than tobacco, but 2 in 3 French people feel badly informed. This is what emerges from a survey conducted by Harris Interactive for the cigalike brand “Blu”.
THE ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE, VICTIM OF IDEAS RECEIVED
While the “Tobacco Free Month” will open on November 1, the blu brand, leader in the United States and world reference in the field of vaping, wanted to know the opinion and knowledge of the French on electronic cigarettes.
Blu commissioned an exclusive survey from the Harris Interactive Institute, based on a sample (1) of more than 3000 adults, representative of the French population, smokers and non-smokers. This study reveals that the alternative of the electronic cigarette, yet recognized by the public authorities (2), appears handicapped by a large ignorance of its profits.
In the context of intensification of the fight against tobacco, are the French aware of the possibilities of electronic cigarettes, recognized by the authorities? The study reveals that the population of vapers already represents the 1 / 3 of tobacco smokers (9% of French vs. 27%) and that the French make a clear distinction, in terms of health, between the consumption of tobacco and the use of an electronic cigarette.
But it is clear that there is a persistence of popular misconceptions about the lack of information on this device, despite the international scientific consensus on the benefits of vaping in anti-smoking strategies.
Compared to tobacco, vaping is perceived as much less risky, but not neutral. Thus, 57% of French people believe that electronic cigarettes represent a lower risk than tobacco. But more than one in two French people (52%) assume the existence of a risk for people in the vicinity (passive vaping), while the High Council of Public Health concluded in 2016 that "the associated risks to passive vaping are null or extremely limited for third parties (3) "
These results are surprising even though, since October 1, the law recognizes the possibility of using electronic cigarettes in public places such as bars, restaurants or hotels… An observation which can be explained by “the feeling of 'being poorly informed about electronic cigarettes', shared by nearly 2 in 3 French people (63%). And only a small majority (54%) of those consuming this product themselves feel well informed.
To Sergio Giadorou, General Manager of blu France, «The electronic cigarette is an effective device in terms of public health. As recognized by the health authorities, its potential risks are out of proportion with those of tobacco and the French do not know it! While the Stoptober campaign, equivalent to our "No Tobacco Month", has rallied more than 1 million British smokers to date by advocating its use, it is necessary that the French are better informed of its benefits. »
1- Survey conducted online from October 20 to 23, 2017. Sample of 3 people representative of French people aged 370 and over, including: 18 people declaring to smoke tobacco - 845 people declaring to smoke an electronic cigarette
2 - According to Tabac-Info-Service, “According to the latest work from the High Council for Public Health, the electronic cigarette can help to stop or reduce tobacco consumption. ".
3 - http://www.assemblee-nationale.fr/14/amendements/2302/CION-SOC/AS1413.asp http://www.hcsp.fr/explore.cgi/avisrapportsdomaine?clefr=541
Source : Blu.com / Gootenberg Agency
