Are e-cigarette product advertisements on public transport driving public misunderstanding and potentially increased use?

Introduction:
This text discusses the concerns around the advertising and marketing of e-cigarettes, particularly towards children and young people. The reader will learn about the potential health implications of nicotine addiction in these age groups and the lack of clear health messaging in e-cigarette advertisements. The text also explores the role of public transport in promoting public health and the potential impact of e-cigarette advertisements on public misunderstanding and increased use.

Key Points:

* E-cigarettes are not harm-free and may increase the likelihood that people will transition to smoking cigarettes.
* Children as young as 11 years old are using e-cigarettes, and the number of children using e-cigarette products has increased over time.
* Current advertisements of e-cigarettes do not clearly state that these products are smoking cessation tools and are therefore not advertised to the general population for use.
* Flavor is a key reason that young people use e-cigarettes, and advertising e-cigarettes as "delicious" rather than as smoking cessation aids is problematic.
* Small print information about the addictive and potentially harmful nature of nicotine in e-cigarettes is not visible enough in advertisements.
* UK legislation permits the direct and indirect promotion of e-cigarettes via certain media, but this must be done in an informational rather than promotional way.
* Public transport has the power to promote positive health, but this must be accompanied by clear and accurate health messaging.

Main Message:
The main message of this text is that the advertising and marketing of e-cigarettes, particularly towards children and young people, is problematic and potentially harmful. The lack of clear health messaging and the focus on flavor rather than smoking cessation in advertisements may lead to public misunderstanding and increased use. The text highlights the need for clear and accurate health messaging, particularly on public transport, to promote positive health and protect vulnerable populations from the potential harms of nicotine addiction.

Flint SW, Hennessy M. Are e-cigarette product advertisements on public transport driving public misunderstanding and potentially increased use? Perspectives in public health. 2020;140(2):91-92. doi:10.1177/1757913919884592