Restrictions on e-cigarette flavors could harm smoking cessation efforts, according to a British study carried out by the prestigious University of Bristol.
Limiting the choice of e-cigarette flavors could have detrimental effects on the many adults who use them to reduce or quit smoking, according to a new study led by the University of Bristol and published in the journal Harm Reduction.
In March/April 2023, the proportion of children experimenting with vaping increased by 50% compared to the previous year, from one in 13 to one in nine. Faced with growing concerns about young people's addiction to e-cigarettes, the British government is considering banning flavors to make vaping less attractive to young people.
Some countries have already restricted the sale of flavored e-liquids, only allowing tobacco and menthol flavors. Although these restrictions are intended to reduce the appeal of vaping, they could affect adults who use e-cigarettes to quit smoking.
In this study, researchers sought to understand the views of UK adults who smoke or who have quit smoking through vaping on unflavored e-liquids and the potential impact of these restrictions. The team recruited 24 adults aged 19 to 62. Among them, 12 smoke daily and 12 vape daily after quitting smoking in the year preceding the study (daily vaping being strongly associated with smoking cessation). The group included two adults who smoked more than 20 cigarettes per day and two adults who vaped daily but previously smoked more than 20 cigarettes per day.
Participants were asked to use an unflavored e-cigarette for four hours instead of their usual flavored e-liquid. They then completed a survey and participated in an online interview to give their opinion on the possibility of reusing these products.
The results revealed mixed opinions regarding unflavored e-liquids. While some participants said they were indifferent to the absence of flavors, others felt that it could encourage them to start smoking again. Many have described unflavored e-liquids as unpleasant or “okay.”
Overall, although many participants considered flavors essential to their practice of vaping, particularly for quitting smoking, other factors such as nicotine dependence, social influences – vaping having a trendy image – and perceptions health were also identified as important drivers. Participants generally felt that a flavor ban would have a negative impact on smoking cessation efforts, more than it would reduce youth vaping.
Dr Jasmine Khouja, lead author of the study and senior lecturer at Bristol's School of Psychological Sciences, as well as a member of the University's Tobacco and Alcohol Research Group, said: "Although restrictions on flavors may reduce vaping among youth, our interview responses suggest they may also deter adults from using e-cigarettes to quit smoking, which could lead those who vape to return to cigarettes and encourage more current smokers to continue smoking. There are also concerns that people may seek to source flavors overseas or make their own flavors, which could expose them to toxins or chemicals not approved for e-cigarettes. »
“Policymakers must consider these varied impacts if the UK government decides to ban flavors in e-cigarettes. »
