Research shows that flavors in e-cigarettes play an important role in the transition from traditional smoking, increasing satisfaction and reducing the risk of relapse. Limiting flavors can lead to undesirable effects, including returning to smoking or seeking unofficial sources for flavored liquids.
- Onassis Surgical Center, 2013
Quote: “The results of this study show that the flavors of e-cigarette liquids play a key role in the overall experience of users and support the hypothesis that they are an important factor in reducing or quitting smoking. This should be taken into account by health authorities.”
Link to the study: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/10/12/7272
- University of Graz, 2019
Result: Flavors do not cause damage to the endothelium and blood vessels.
Link to the study: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0222152
- Public Health England, 2020
Result: A flavor ban may have negative consequences and unforeseen effects for smokers using e-cigarettes to quit smoking. It should be carefully considered.
Link to the study: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/869401/Vaping_in_England_evidence_update_March_2020.pdf
- Yale School of Public Health, 2020
Result: Users of non-tobacco flavors are more likely to quit smoking compared to users of tobacco flavors.
Link to the study: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2766787
- Penn State University, 2020
Result: If all non-tobacco flavors are banned:
- a) 9.7% of users will return to smoking tobacco cigarettes.
- b) 19.2% will find alternative ways to obtain flavored liquids.
- c) 32.8% will start mixing their own liquids.
Link to the study: https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/full/10.1513/AnnalsATS.201906-472OC
- ETHRA Study, 2020
Result: About 70% of German participants reported that flavors were important or very important in the transition from smoking to vaping. More than a quarter would start smoking again or smoke more if all flavors except tobacco were banned.
Link to the study: https://ethra.co/eu-survey
- Auckland, New Zealand, 2021
Result: 57% of respondents said they would bypass the ban on popular flavors by mixing their own liquids and/or buying them from abroad or the black market.
Link to the study: https://f1000research.com/articles/10-619/v1
- George Washington University, 2021
Result: One-third of respondents (33.2%) would return to smoking tobacco cigarettes if flavors are restricted. 39% would start smoking again if e-cigarettes were completely banned.
Link to the study: https://academic.oup.com/ntr/article/24/3/333/6332852?login=false
- Addictive Behaviors, 2021
Result: 82% of surveyed users are against flavor bans. One in six would start smoking again. Fewer than one-third (28.8%) would be satisfied with the remaining available flavors. Almost the same percentage (28.3%) said they would find another way to obtain their favorite flavors.
- Professor Mayer’s Report on Menthol, 2022
Quote: “Menthol is not toxic when used normally in e-cigarettes. Its ban would reduce the appeal of vaping without contributing to a reduction in smoking rates.”
“There is no evidence of toxic or harmful effects of menthol. It is not included as a toxic substance in EU regulations and is considered safe by the FDA.”
Link to the study: https://www.tabakfreiergenuss.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Gutachten-Mentholverbot_30_01_2022.pdf
- University of Illinois, 2022
Result: “Dual users who prefer sweet flavors are most likely to quit smoking.”
Link to the study: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306460321003531#:~:text=Overall%2C%20sweet%20flavors%20were%20most,%2C%20and%20other%20(7.9%25).
