Harry Shapiro
Director DrugWise
Despite the best efforts of the powers-that-be to convince Americans that e-cigarettes are just as dangerous as smoking tobacco, a new study ( http://www.news-medical.net ) shows that among US smokers with respiratory conditions who continue to smoke, many are switching to e-cigarettes believing them to be less harmful.
Harry Shapiro
Director DrugWise
Forget La La Land (you know, that place where WHO and CDC views on vaping live) – instead grab your popcorn for some much more rewarding screen time.
Harry Shapiro
Director DrugWise
As a newcomer to the world of tobacco harm reduction, I am continually impressed by the expert forensic scrutiny of the published research much of which is aimed at undermining the positive impact of heat not burn technologies when compared to smoking cigarettes.
Harry Shapiro
Director DrugWise
Writing for the Australian online news outlet News.Com Joe Hildebrand reported, “when I quit smoking last year, I got a message from Associate Professor Colin Mendelsohn from the School of Public Health at the University of NSW “Congratulations,” he said. “You’ve just added almost 10 years to your life.” He then added: “You’re also now a criminal.”
Harry Shapiro
Director DrugWise
OK, so let's start with some good news for a change.
In Canada, the University of Victoria’s Centre for Addictions Research of British Columbia (CARBC) in a report called “ Clearing the Air” have concluded that fears of vaping being a gateway to tobacco smoking are unfounded.
Harry Shapiro
Director DrugWise
Having done a brief round-up of 2016 in my first column, this week's column is a catch-up on the news so far in 2017.
Previously I mentioned the harm reduction battle cross-over between drugs and e-cigarettes: reports in the news this year highlight another connection – how scientists, clinicians and the media can mislead the general public.
Harry Shapiro
Director DrugWise
Welcome to my new column brought to you by Nicotine Science and Policy. The idea is that I provide a summary and commentary of the weeks' news and events for those who have not had the time to check out the NSP News Digest on a daily basis or missed an important news item from elsewhere.