An article on New Nicotine Alliance Australia (NNA AU), said that during a meeting with a number of well respected Tobacco Harm Reduction advocates, one of the topics brought up was the use of the word e-cigarette. This is the term most commonly used to describe a device that has helped millions successfully quit actual cigarettes worldwide.

Countless studies have indicated that these products are significantly safer than actual cigarettes, and yet a large portion of the public remains confused and misinformed about their relative safety. Harm reduction experts also believe that the similar name (e-cigarette vs cigarette), just adds fuel to this confusion.

“So, I ask all to drop the word e-cigarette, and start using vape or vaporiser, as it really seems to be the most logical alternative.”Charles Yates, NNA

In line with this, the Australian Tobacco Harm Reduction Association (ATHRA) recently posted a blog on the topic. “It is time to consider replacing the terms ‘e-cigarette’ and ‘electronic cigarette’ with something more appropriate. These labels link a low-risk life-saving technology to a toxic and deadly product and are muddying the already murky waters of the tobacco harm reduction debate.”

The word e-cigarette leads many to associate vaping with smoking

The NNA agrees, and whilst it suspects that replacing the word e-cigarette may take time, it urges us all to do so. “There’s no denying that the term e-cigarette leads many to an association with smoking, and this really is the issue here. We’re associating a far safer product with one that kills 7 million people a year,” said Charles Yates on behalf of the NNA, adding, “So, I ask all to drop the word e-cigarette, and start using vape or vaporiser, as it really seems to be the most logical alternative.”

Read Further: NNA Australia