Report reveals grave consequences of flavour ban for vapers in Laois

An analysis carried out by the Reduced Risk Products Association (RRPA) has revealed how restrictions on vape flavours in Laois could have a significantly negative impact on public health and put thousands of vapers’ lives at risk.

According to the RRPA, Laois has an adult vaping population of 5,611 individuals and 4,601 are either current or former smokers who are vaping to reduce or quit their cigarette consumption.

The RRPA described flavoured vapes as "critical" to supporting these smokers who want to quit, with 95% of vapes sold in Ireland non-tobacco flavours.

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However, data has revealed how the Government’s plans to restrict vape flavours to tobacco only could result in 1,012 adult vapers in Laois returning to smoking, significantly impacting public health.

The RRPA believes that this would also result in 7,388,727 million additional cigarettes being smoked annually in Laois.

Smoking remains the single biggest threat to public health in Ireland, resulting in 6,000 deaths and 44,000 hospitalisations per year. One in every two smokers will die from a smoking related disease.

The RRPA states that if 1,012 adult vapers started smoking again, it could result in an additional 506 smoking-related deaths in Laois.

Spokesperson for the RRPA, Joe Dunne, said: “Vaping is helping thousands of smokers in Ireland reduce their smoking and quit for good. The RRPA is supportive of measures to keep vapes out of the hands of under 18s and non-smokers but we believe a ban on flavours could put smokers’ lives at risk.

“We are calling on the government and politicians to avoid a public health catastrophe around vaping and ensure there is a sensible approach to regulating vaping that will protect both children and the health outlook for smokers.”