E-cigarettes an evidence update A report commissioned by Public Health England

E-cigarettes: an evidence updatethat they might be used for new psychoactive substances (sometimes also known as‘legal highs’). The basis for this fear is being assessed and the use of tank models maybe assessed in a restricted pilot shortly. During the first six months of the policy, the ECpolicy has been implemented smoothly.A more general concern has been raised that EC can be used as a vehicle for otherdrugs. This concern needs exploring and is not something that should be promoted.Nevertheless, if true, EC are likely to offer a less harmful delivery route for the drugsthan smoking which could be the subject of research.Prisons are likely to introduce comprehensive smokefree policies over the next fewyears [32]. Similar to mental health trusts, it would seem inappropriate to prohibit ECand disposable EC are currently being piloted in at least three prisons [33].Consideration should also be given to the use of other models of EC in pilots. The useof EC in prisons has been considered in other jurisdictions which should also beinformative [34].Summary of findingsSmoking is increasingly concentrated in disadvantaged groups who tend to be moredependent. EC potentially offer a wide reach, low-cost, intervention to reduce smokingand improve health in disadvantaged groups.Some health trusts and prisons have banned the use of EC which maydisproportionately affect more disadvantaged smokers.Policy implicationsooConsideration could be given to a proactive strategy to encourage disadvantagedsmokers to quit smoking as quickly as possible including the use of EC, whereappropriate, to help reduce health inequalities caused by smoking.EC should not routinely be treated in the same way as smoking. It is notappropriate to prohibit EC use in health trusts and prisons as part of smokefreepolicies unless there is a strong rationale to do so.E-cigarettes and smoking behaviour44