A Load Of CRUK
How is the non-vaper meant to negotiate the plentiful online opinions about ecigs?
-
by Dave Cross
Share on:
How, for example, does someone know that the article in The Yorker is nothing but ignorance dressed up as informed opinion? Jack Harvey is a History and Philosophy Undergraduate with a penchant for calzone and BBQ sauce – he also demonstrates all the qualities required to work in the European parliament alongside Linda McAvan MEP.
The Yorker is a student magazine and the article uses some key techniques to lend it the impression it is playing with a straight bat. It leads with some facts and links to some statistics before merging into anecdote about the benefits of NRT therapies. Aimed at its market it also takes a swift kick at Nigel Farage’s appearance. With readers onside Harvey writes: “But another alternative to smoking tobacco, e-cigarettes, is not proving to be as helpful to smokers.”
The student conflates the e-Cig industry with Big Tobacco and, for reasons only known to him, thinks “some researchers” believe “e-cigarettes are even worse for smokers.” Who are these researchers? Where is this evidence? The lack of support for his claims should be ringing bells in the head of the reader. Stick to history and philosophy, Jack, or try a bit of Socratic examining of life.
Delaware Online follow the same model – first some undisputable facts, this time a description of how ecigs work, before the blinkered, unsupported opinion. “While the e-cigarettes don't fill the lungs with harmful smoke, that doesn't make them a healthy,” writes Dr Kate Cronan. While Kate is a doctor, and that carries its own weight, she uses misdirection; no one claims vaping is healthy. “Anyone using an e-cigarette still gets an unhealthy dose of nicotine and other chemicals,” she continues. Evidence, Kate, where’s the evidence?
“Using an e-cigarette mimics the experience of smoking regular cigarettes more closely than other quitting options. Instead, try nicotine gum or the nicotine patch, which will help prevent withdrawal symptoms.” When you aren’t busy selling NRT products, Kate, check out the work of the UK government’s Nudge Unit.
Maybe the answer for people looking for health advise is to not rely on local newspapers or history students. Possibly, the solution is to consult the words of those campaigning to eradicate cancer – people like those who work for Cancer Research UK (CRUK). When a body like this states “e-cigarettes are almost certainly far safer than tobacco cigarettes” you can believe it.
In a blog titled Ecigarettes answering the burning questions, CRUK lay out their vision of the future: “With so much to gain if e-cigarettes are proven to help people ditch tobacco, we’re making research on e-cigarettes a key priority.” The position taken by them is based on the research they’ve looked at and the work they are funding. If someone wanted a balanced opinion about vaping they could do a lot worse than read it. If you don't see evidence it's only opinion.
Dave Cross
Journalist at POTVDave is a freelance writer; with articles on music, motorbikes, football, pop-science, vaping and tobacco harm reduction in Sounds, Melody Maker, UBG, AWoL, Bike, When Saturday Comes, Vape News Magazine, and syndicated across the Johnston Press group. He was published in an anthology of “Greatest Football Writing”, but still believes this was a mistake. Dave contributes sketches to comedy shows and used to co-host a radio sketch show. He’s worked with numerous vape companies to develop content for their websites.
Join the discussion
Harm Reduction For The Rich
The United Kingdom risks becoming a harm reduction country only for the wealthy, according to Michael Landl of the World Vapers’ Alliance
-
by Dave Cross
Sacrificing Health For 2p Cut
Tory Government alienates vaping voters with its mission to cut tax by an unaffordable 2p to attract voters by placing a tax on vape products in the forthcoming budget
-
by Dave Cross
Scotland Announces Single-Use Vape Action
A ban on the sale and supply of single-use vapes in Scotland is due to come into effect on 1 April 2025, under proposed legislation published today
-
by Dave Cross
Industry Licensing Scheme Proposed
A vape industry licensing scheme will generate £50m+ per year to combat underage and illicit vape sales according to industry experts
-
by Dave Cross
