Vaping as a Harm Reduction Strategy: Balancing Safety, Popularity, and Regulation

Vaping Vs cigarette smoking

According to World Bank data, the prevalence of current tobacco use (% of adults) in Zimbabwe stood at 11.7% in 2020. This indicates that more than ten percent of the adult population is engaged in tobacco smoking to some extent. While traditional tobacco smoking has been on the decline, a rising trend, particularly in the entertainment industry, is the use of electronic cigarettes, commonly known as vaping. Vaping has emerged as a formidable competitor to conventional smoking, offering smokers a customizable and potentially less harmful option.

Vaping involves inhaling vaporized nicotine liquid through a handheld device, replicating the sensation of smoking without the hazardous effects of burning tobacco. With an extensive range of flavours and nicotine strengths, vaping has gained popularity among smokers. It is seen as a breakthrough method in combating the harmful effects of traditional smoking, such as second-hand smoke and exposure to tar, which are inherent in combustible tobacco products. While smoking tobacco has long been associated with being a risk factor for health issues like lung cancer, experts suggest that vaping may contribute to harm reduction if used as an alternative to cigarettes. Unlike combustible tobacco products, e-cigarettes have lower levels of harmful chemicals in their aerosols, potentially reducing exposure to toxins and carcinogens. Vaping eliminates the presence of tar and carcinogens found in combustible tobacco, making it a safer alternative.

Vaping

In Zimbabwe, as well as in the rest of the world, vaping is strongly linked to the entertainment industry. The entertainment industry has a significant influence on shaping popular culture and trends. In recent years, vaping has gained attention within this realm, appearing prominently in movies, television shows, music videos, and celebrity endorsements. This has made vaping seem cooler than cigarettes, leading to younger people taking up vaping, much to the concern of many adults, especially parents. Vaping is also closely associated with clubbing, with some event organizers using a large variety of vape flavours as an attraction for their events.

During an information session with journalists on tobacco harm reduction, Mr Clive Bates, Director of Counterfactual Consulting, emphasized that there has been a lot of misinformation regarding vaping. He stated that vaping has been wrongly touted as being more harmful than combustible tobacco, but scientific studies have shown this to be untrue. In some cases, vaping is considered much safer than ordinary combustible tobacco because cigarettes contain tar, which can be harmful and is identified as a risk factor in diseases such as lung cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Numerous studies indicate that vaping can be a safer alternative compared to traditional cigarettes. While not entirely risk-free, the levels of harmful chemicals in e-cigarette aerosols are significantly lower, potentially reducing exposure to toxins and carcinogens. Bates emphasized that the tar and carcinogens present in combustible tobacco are either absent or present in very low levels in e-cigarettes.

Mr Clive Bates, Director of Counterfactual Consulting

Bates also highlighted that there is always a risk of starting smoking in one's lifetime, especially at a younger age. However, by using e-cigarettes, potential harm reduction can lead to better health outcomes for those who do smoke. He further added that tobacco harm reduction, embodied by vaping, aims to assist smokers in gradually transitioning away from traditional cigarettes. By providing a familiar hand-to-mouth motion and nicotine delivery, e-cigarettes have shown potential as a cessation tool. Moreover, vaping eliminates second-hand smoke, posing fewer risks to bystanders and loved ones. The challenge lies in the pushback against vaping by certain parts of society, which, in turn, does more harm than good. Bates suggested that countries in Africa, especially prominent tobacco producers like Zimbabwe, should enact legislation and policies that encourage tobacco harm reduction using e-cigarettes. This would complement the high taxation already imposed on tobacco products.

In the same meeting, Dr. Kgosi Letlape, the current President of the Africa Medical Association and President of the Association of Medical Councils of Africa, emphasized that the harm reduction associated with e-cigarettes should be considered in Africa. He called on African governments to implement policies that effectively lead to tobacco harm reduction through vaping.

Dr. Kgosi Letlape

He stated that Africa's policies around tobacco are more geared towards the prohibition of tobacco completely, which may not be very useful. He also mentioned that it goes against scientific evidence, as studies have shown that other forms of taking tobacco, such as snuff or chewing tobacco, have not shown the same harm as cigarettes. He cited the use of snus, an oral smokeless tobacco product, in Sweden, which is allowed and even encouraged. In such cases, significant harm has not been shown in the use of snus. He suggested that African countries should also make exceptions for vaping.

However, a local public health expert, who preferred to remain anonymous, warned of the challenges around standardization and the lack of proper monitoring systems to check whether the e-cigarettes being imported into the country meet associated standards. He mentioned that there is uncertainty about the nicotine levels in some obscure brands used in Zimbabwe. He also expressed concerns about the chemicals used in the manufacture of cheap vape imports, mainly from China. He suggested that alongside tobacco harm reduction, the country should also consider making nicotine patches and gum more available for those who want to quit smoking but do not want to use e-cigarettes.

Burning fake vape

Despite the progress made, experts emphasize the need for ongoing research and regulation to ensure the safety, effectiveness, and appeal of vaping, particularly among non-smokers, especially youth. Collaborative efforts between scientists, healthcare providers, policymakers, and the vaping industry are vital in shaping evidence-based guidelines and product standards. With responsible practices, tobacco harm reduction using vaping can make a significant contribution to public health and smoking cessation efforts. Experts also stress the importance of striking a balance between creative expression and social responsibility as vaping continues to intersect with the entertainment industry. Filmmakers, musicians, celebrities, and advertisers have a unique opportunity to foster informed conversations, promote harm reduction, and discourage nicotine use among non-smokers, particularly youth. Collaboration between industry stakeholders, health organizations, and regulatory bodies is crucial to shape guidelines for responsible representation and minimize any potential adverse effects.

Article written by ANNA MITI