MPs have launched an inquiry into the effects of electronic cigarettes over concerns that there are “significant gaps” in knowledge over the impact that they have on health.
The Science and Technology committee’s investigation will address the health risks of e-cigarettes, as well as their effectiveness as a tool to help smokers quit.
Addressing the ‘gap in knowledge’ surrounding e-cigarettes, Norman Lamb, MP, and chair of the Science and Technology committee said:
“They are seen by some as valuable tools that will reduce the number of people smoking ‘conventional’ cigarettes, and seen by others as ‘re-normalising’ smoking for the younger generation”.
He continued: "As a relatively new innovation, we also need to understand more about the potential long-term health impacts of vaping and its impact on public health and the NHS. It is crucial that the public has access to clear evidence on the potential benefits and risks of these products so that they can make informed decisions."
Currently in the UK, almost 3 million people use e-cigarettes, with many using them as a tool to quit smoking.
The UK Vaping Industry Association has said that it welcomes the inquiry and that it is keen to demonstrate that vaping is a healthier alternative to regular cigarettes.
“With Public Health England recently endorsing vaping products in their Stoptober campaign, and the Royal College of Physicians, Cancer Research UK and the Royal Society of Public Health backing e-cigarettes as well, the evidence base for vaping is growing and growing.” A spokesperson for the association said.
“This will be an excellent opportunity to robustly interrogate the science behind e-cigarettes, and firmly establish vaping as the best way to change the lives of smokers in the UK.”
Globally, there has been conflicting research into e-cigarettes. A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine last year, compared vapers to regular smokers in their likelihood to develop cancer. The study determined that e-cigarettes were less carcinogenic than conventional cigarettes.
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However, a study carried out by the University of Northern Carolina, suggested that e-cigarettes could be as dangerous as regular cigarettes, as vapers tested showed high levels of proteins linked to potentially life threatening lung conditions such as Cystic Fibrosis and Lupus.
In the UK, the Public Health England has so far found no evidence that e-cigarettes are acting as a gateway to smoking.
Mark Pawsey MP, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on E-cigarettes said:“I am pleased that my colleagues in Parliament are showing an interest in vaping, as the All Party Parliamentary Group on E-cigarettes will be shortly releasing our first report on the impact of this technology on the nation’s health as well."
Mr Pawsey said that he believes that vaping could represent a "a huge public health opportunity for this country.”
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