In a recent position paper, two former senior officials of the World Health Organization (WHO) expressed criticism of the guidance adopted by the organization regarding electronic cigarettes and vaping products.
These criticisms highlight an ongoing debate on the place of these devices in strategies to reduce the harm linked to smoking.
The former officials, whose names were not directly disclosed..., stressed that the WHO's current approach could potentially ignore the benefits that e-cigarettes offer as smoking cessation tools for smokers. adults seeking to quit combustible smoking. They argue that while caution is necessary, strict regulation and stigmatization of vaping products could deter their use as a less harmful alternative to traditional tobacco.
These criticisms come in a context where the scientific community remains divided on the issue of vaping.
On the one hand, studies support that e-cigarettes can significantly reduce exposure to harmful substances found in tobacco smoke, providing a harm reduction option for smokers who are unable to quit with traditional methods.
On the other hand, concerns remain about the long-term effects of inhaling the aerosols produced by these devices, as well as the risks of renormalization of smoking, particularly among young people.
In this debate, the WHO has maintained a cautious stance, warning of potential risks associated with the use of e-cigarettes and calling for rigorous regulation.
However, criticism from former officials raises important questions about the balance between preventing smoking initiation among young people and promoting effective harm reduction strategies for current smokers.
What if the truth was elsewhere?
