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What’s the Best Alternative for Vape
The UK’s recent “swap to stop” initiative, introduced in April, exemplifies an ambitious yet commendable strategy. The principal goal? To transition a staggering one million smokers from the harmful clutches of tobacco onto the safer shores of vaping. This is part of the country’s broader scheme of creating a “smoke-free” Britain by 2030. The goal is not necessarily a complete eradication but an admirable reduction: to slash smoking rates down to approximately 5%.
Incentives to Quit
Apart from promoting vaping as an alternative, the UK government is providing financial incentives. Pregnant women, who are perhaps the most vulnerable group when it comes to the effects of smoking, are being offered up to £400 (€456) in vouchers to quit smoking. These proactive measures, according to campaigners, are a monumental leap in the right direction.
Furthermore, the UK is also battling the illicit sale of vapes to minors. The deployment of an “illicit vapes enforcement squad” demonstrates the seriousness with which the country is addressing the matter, aiming to strike a balance between promoting healthier alternatives and safeguarding the young.
Similarly, Ireland, a close neighbor, is expected to legislate a ban on the sale of e-cigarettes to minors this coming July, showcasing that the momentum against tobacco is not just a UK trend.
The Smoking Scenario in Europe
In order to understand the broader context, let’s take a dive into the smoking landscape of Europe. According to Eurostat data:
- 7% of the EU population indulge in smoking daily.
- In 2019, a breakdown reveals that 5.9% smoked 20 or more cigarettes every day, while 12.6% smoked fewer than 20 units.
- Countries such as Bulgaria, Turkey, Greece, Hungary, and Latvia top the list of highest tobacco consumption rates, ranging from 24.9% to 28.2%. In contrast, Sweden, Iceland, Finland, Norway, and Luxembourg represent the other end of the spectrum, with smoking rates as low as 9.3%.
Gender Differences in Smoking
Around Europe, there exists a gender divide when it comes to smoking. Men are more likely to smoke than women,22.3%to 14.8%. The difference between the two genders, however, is narrower in certain countries or even reversed. For example, in Denmark, women smokers slightly outnumber men, and in Norway, the gap is narrow, with only a 1.6% difference.
Vape: The Alternative
The vaping culture, introduced as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, is gaining traction. Though the BMJ medical journal states that it remains inconclusive whether vaping is less harmful to the respiratory system, it is promoted as less detrimental compared to traditional smoking.
Data from Eurostat reveals that France, Poland, and the Netherlands are the top nations where vaping is popular, with rates of 6.6%,6.0%, and 5.9% respectively. In contrast, Spain and Turkey report minimal vaping rates of 1.0% and 0.9%.
Intriguingly, in countries like Poland, Ireland, Greece, France, Portugal, and Iceland, daily vapers outnumber occasional users.
What Next?
In light of the evolving landscape, the UK’s “swap to stop” initiative, and the broader European sentiment, it is evident that the continent is shifting towards healthier habits and alternatives such as vape.
The momentum against tobacco is palpable, and as the world continues to understand the long-term implications of tobacco and the potential of alternatives, such strategies are not just commendable but necessary for a healthier future.
