Misinformation about safer nicotine alternatives is costing lives, experts warn

STOCKHOLM – International health experts today warned that misinformation about safer nicotine alternatives is endangering millions of lives by convincing smokers to stick with deadly cigarettes.

New statistics published by Our World in Data reveal a huge surge in the number of people who now wrongly believe vaping is as harmful – or even more harmful – than smoking.

In 2015, around one in three smokers knew vaping was less harmful. Today, fewer than one in eight does. Three out of four now say that vapes are just as or even more dangerous than cigarettes.

“This is a tragic reversal,” said Dr Delon Human, leader of Smoke Free Sweden and a former secretary of the World Medical Association.

“The science is crystal clear that vaping and other smoke-free products are far less harmful than cigarettes. But fear-mongering headlines and confused policies are driving smokers back to the most dangerous form of nicotine use: burning tobacco.”

Health authorities around the world agree vaping is much less harmful than smoking because it does not involve the combustion that creates thousands of toxic chemicals in cigarette smoke. Yet, thanks to years of mixed messages and propaganda, more people now wrongly believe vaping is just as bad.

“Every smoker who delays switching because of misinformation is a preventable death waiting to happen,” warned Dr Human.

Sweden proves that harm reduction saves lives. By allowing adult smokers access to safer alternatives such as snus, nicotine pouches and vapes, the country has cut daily smoking to 5.3% – the lowest in Europe – and is set to become the world’s first officially smoke-free nation.

Men in Sweden now record lung cancer death rates 61% lower than the EU average, and overall cancer mortality is a third lower.

Urging governments and public health agencies worldwide to tell the truth, Dr Human said: “Sweden’s success didn’t come from bans or fear. It came from trust in science and honesty with smokers. If you can’t quit nicotine, switch to a safer product. It’s that simple.

 “Equating vaping with smoking is a lie that costs lives. Misinformation kills confidence, and without confidence, smokers won’t switch.”