Brussels, 28 May 2025 – As World No Tobacco Day approaches on May 31, the Independent European Vape Alliance (IEVA) has released compelling evidence that the majority of e-cigarette users in Europe are former smokers. This highlights the significant role that vaping can play in reducing tobacco harm and aiding in smoking cessation.
According to a Special Eurobarometer survey, only 3% of current e-cigarette users in the EU have never smoked. A separate study published in the Journal of Epidemiology also confirms this, with only 0.4% of never smokers reporting ever trying an e-cigarette. This data suggests that vaping is not attracting non-smokers as a meaningful level, but rather serving as a tool for adult smokers seeking alternatives.
The health benefits of switching from combustible cigarettes to e-cigarettes are significant. A recent Cochrane review found that nicotine-containing e-cigarettes are more effective than traditional nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) in helping individuals quit smoking. The review showed that for every 100 people using e-cigarettes, 8 to 10 may successfully quit, compared to only 6 in 100 using NRTs.
Dr. Nicola Lindson, University Research Lecturer at the University of Oxford and Managing Editor of the Cochrane Tobacco Addiction Group, stated, “E-cigarettes do not burn tobacco, and as such, do not expose users to the same complex mix of chemicals that cause diseases in people smoking conventional cigarettes. E-cigarettes are not risk-free and should not be used by people who do not smoke or are not at risk of smoking. However, evidence shows that nicotine e-cigarettes carry only a small fraction of the risk of smoking.”
Despite this, public perception often misrepresents the relative risks of vaping. A study conducted in six European countries found that 62% of smokers perceived e-cigarettes as equally or more harmful than cigarettes, while only 28% perceived them as less harmful.
This widespread misperception persists despite the scientific consensus that vaping is substantially less harmful than smoking. In fact, Public Health England has concluded that e-cigarettes are at least 95% less harmful than combustible tobacco products, a finding supported by multiple independent reviews conducted since 2015.
IEVA is urging policymakers to recognize the potential of e-cigarettes in reducing smoking rates across Europe. By providing accurate information and integrating vaping into public health strategies, governments can empower smokers to make informed choices that could lead to significant health improvements.
“Millions of smokers in Europe deserve to know that switching to vaping can significantly reduce their health risks,” said Dustin Dahlmann, President of IEVA. “Policymakers have a responsibility to communicate this harm reduction potential clearly and objectively.”
About IEVA:
The Independent European Vape Alliance (IEVA) is the only pan-European association aimed at uniting national associations, companies, manufacturers, and wholesalers in the vaping industry and providing them with responsible representation at the European level. IEVA’s founding principle is to contribute to harm reduction and public health. E-cigarettes have a significant positive impact and should be recognized as a harm reduction tool because vaping is not smoking.
IEVA Press Contact:
President: Dustin Dahlmann
Press Coordinator: Philip Drögemüller
Phone: +32 (2) 791 7759
E-mail: p.droegemueller@eurovape.eu
Web: www.eurovape.eu
Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/
