Summary
Introduction:
This text discusses the issue of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), such as e-cigarettes, and their potential to help adult smokers quit smoking while also minimizing youth use. The authors present various approaches to reducing youth use of ENDS and their impact on the likelihood of adult smokers switching completely to potentially reduced harm products. The text does not debate the safety of ENDS compared to cigarettes, but instead focuses on strategies to minimize uptake of ENDS by non-users, especially youth, while maximizing the transition of smokers to ENDS.
Key Points:
* The authors identify four categories of actions for reducing youth ENDS use: limiting product appeal, limiting ease of acquiring the product, limiting options for using the product, and limiting the addictiveness of the product.
* The study discusses the potential of using biometrics in ENDS devices to prevent unauthorized youth use, but notes that this could increase cost and limit accessibility for low-income adult smokers.
* The text also explores the idea of using geofencing to limit where ENDS can be used, such as around schools and other locations where youth gather.
* The authors suggest that reducing the high-tech appearance of ENDS and discontinuing the use of coupons and price incentives could reduce youth use while still encouraging adult smokers to switch from smoking to potentially reduced harm products.
* The study also highlights the importance of age verification and enforcement in preventing youth access to ENDS, but notes that most ENDS obtained by youth are from social sources.
* The authors suggest that limiting nicotine delivery in ENDS could minimize youth appeal or addiction, but note that multiple characteristics must be addressed and that this could inhibit adult smokers from switching from smoking to exclusive ENDS use.
* The text also discusses the potential impact of indoor bans on ENDS use and the discreteness of ENDS as a factor in youth use.
Main Message:
The main message of this text is that ENDS manufacturers must address youth vaping in new product applications, and that there are various approaches to reducing youth use of ENDS while still encouraging adult smokers to switch from smoking to potentially reduced harm products. The authors suggest that innovative approaches, such as biometrics and geofencing, may be effective in accomplishing both objectives, but that there are also potential disadvantages and limitations to these approaches. The text highlights the importance of considering both the potential benefits and drawbacks of each approach, and of continuing to monitor and evaluate the impact of ENDS on public health.
Citation
Ashley DL, Spears CA, Weaver SR, Huang J, Eriksen MP. E-cigarettes: How can they help smokers quit without addicting a new generation? Preventive medicine. 2020;140:106145. doi:10.1016/j.ypmed.2020.106145
