According to health and industry experts, E-cigarettes could potentially be a less harmful alternative that helps nicotine-dependent smokers quit the habit of smoking cigarettes. The topic was discussed in an international debate held in London organized by the United Kingdom Vaping Industry Association – UKVIA.

The session witnessed the participation of Dr. Colin Mendelsohn, Tobacco Treatment Expert & Author; Alexander Kvitashvili, Public Health Adviser, Consumer Choice Centre Dr. Sudhanshu Patwardhan, Director, Centre for Health Research & Education, University of Southampton, Science Park and Mohammad Agrabawi, Senior Director of Corporate Affairs & Communications, ANDS.

Moderated by global health consultant Dr. Derek Yach, the panel addressed smoking as a significant global health concern that requires contemporary solutions to help those who find it difficult to quit smoking switch to less harmful options.

Dr. Colin Mendelsohn, Tobacco Treatment Expert & Author, commented: “There is a big misconception around nicotine alternatives. Personally, I have seen many people lose their lives from conventional cigarettes, still,   on the other hand, I have also seen many who have managed to quit them by transitioning to electronic nicotine alternatives, which I think are revolutionary, after years of struggling with traditional methods.”

Mohammad Agrabawi, Director of Corporate Affairs & Communications, ANDS, said: “As a company, we believe that these products provide a better chance for smokers to quit the use of conventional cigarettes, while we advise everyone to refrain from using nicotine products, switching to these alternatives has a better potential to reduce the risk associated with continuing to smoke conventional cigarettes.”

“There is a great need to collaborate with authorities and countries with advanced opinions on electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) to bridge the gap on the fiscal and regulatory frameworks when it comes to these products; one great example is the UK, and the way ENDS are treated within the regulatory system as a successful cessation tool of smoking conventional cigarettes.’’

Focused on scientific-based research, the UKVIA Forum aims to shed light on better alternatives to conventional cigarettes and engage with the UK government and relevant authorities to help fight illicit trade and misinformation about electronic nicotine delivery solutions.