Safer alternatives to smoking can save 92,000 lives in Ireland

6,000 people annually die from smoking-related disease in Ireland.

The Government could prevent up to 92,000 premature deaths by 2060 if policymakers embraced safer alternatives to smoking, according to a ground-breaking new report.

This landmark analysis from leading international health experts underscores the proven life-saving potential of tobacco harm reduction (THR) products, such as vapes.

Dr. Delon Human, a co-author of the report Saving 692,000 Lives in Ireland, Taiwan and Chile, said: “The evidence is clear that smoke-free alternatives can significantly reduce smoking-related diseases such as lung cancer, heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

“By integrating safer nicotine alternatives, such as vapes, into its public health strategy, Ireland would save tens of thousands of lives, significantly reduce healthcare costs and improve quality of life for future generations.”

Respect Vapers welcomes the independent report and urges the new Government to take on board these findings and other reports that show how vapes has helped over 200,000 people to give up cigarettes in Ireland.

“Progressive policies embracing smoke-free alternatives are already reaping rewards around the world. Sweden and New Zealand have virtually wiped out smoking and have shown that tobacco harm reduction is a viable, life-saving solution. We can do the same and the Government must listen to the experts on how it can be achieved,” said Ken Heffernan, a former smoker who quit with the help of vapes.

What Can We Do?

The report outlines key actions to accelerate the adoption of THR products, including:

●      Encouraging healthcare professionals to communicate the benefits of THR products to patients and counter misinformation about nicotine.

●      Advocating for risk-proportionate regulation to ensure that safer alternatives are affordable, accessible and acceptable for consumers.

●      Promoting consumer representation through independent, science-based advocacy groups.

●      Increasing government investment in local research to ensure policies are informed by relevant, region-specific science.

This important survey yet again highlights the damage that can be done by banning flavoured vapes. Click on the links below to contact your TDs and to sign our petition.

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Link to Report: Saving 692,000 lives in Ireland, Taiwan and Chile: the impact of tobacco harm reduction Report by “Lives Saved”, Derek Yach and Delon Human.