New infographic explores how vape flavours impact THR

~ Imperial Brands’ new evidence-based infographic addresses misconceptions about the impact of vape flavours on tobacco harm reduction ~

Imperial Brands has published a new evidence-based infographic on its dedicated science website to better understand the role that flavours play in the public health strategy of tobacco harm reduction.

Based on a recently published academic review of over 230 peer-reviewed studies, the infographic addresses key areas like user health risks and dependency. It also outlines the scientific evidence around how vape flavours positively impact tobacco harm reduction (THR) strategies, advocating a ‘facts over feelings’ approach to vape flavours.

To create the infographic, the paper’s authors reviewed over 230 peer-reviewed studies – including in-vitro and in-vivo toxicological assessments, laboratory studies, clinical trials, observational studies, and large-scale surveys.

The review established that non-tobacco favoured vapes, including fruit and mint, are preferred by adult smokers trying to switch from cigarettes. The availability of a range of flavours was also shown to reduce relapse back to smoking, while also supporting long-term switching away from cigarettes.

Additionally, the review confirmed there are no greater toxicological concerns with responsibly manufactured flavoured vapes compared with non-flavoured ones, and identified that studies with contrary results were generally either scientifically flawed or failed to replicate real-world conditions. Importantly, the paper also suggests flavoured vapes don’t increase usage by non-smokers.

“With high quality ingredients, rigorous testing, and responsible marketing, flavoured vapes are a crucial means of helping adult smokers and nicotine consumers switch from cigarettes to potentially harm reduced vapes.” explained Matthew Stevenson, Scientific Substantiation Senior Manager and paper co-author.

“Scientific evidence is heavily weighted in favour of incorporating flavoured vapes in successful THR strategies, with flavour diversity key to maximising switching success and reducing smoking prevalence. The data also tells us that – while seemingly well-intentioned – attempts to ban vape flavours have been counterproductive.

“Ultimately, this new review and infographic demonstrates that vape regulation must be rooted in scientific facts – not feelings – if public health goals focusing on smoking are to succeed.”

Access the vape flavours literature review infographic on Imperial Brands Science’s website.