American Cancer Society (ACS) Position on Electronic Cigarettes
The American Cancer Society (ACS) acknowledges that while current evidence suggests electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes or vapes) are likely less harmful than combustible cigarettes for adult smokers who completely switch, they are not risk-free. The organization emphasizes that no tobacco product is safe.
Key Concerns and Stance:
- Youth Use: The ACS expresses significant concern over the epidemic of e-cigarette use among youth and young adults, highlighting the dangers of nicotine addiction and potential harm to adolescent brain development. The ACS strongly advises that youth, young adults, and pregnant women should not use e-cigarettes.
- Nicotine Addiction: Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, a highly addictive drug. The ACS is concerned about the potential for e-cigarettes to create a new generation addicted to nicotine.
- Unknown Long-Term Effects: The long-term health effects of e-cigarette use are not yet fully known. E-cigarette aerosol can contain harmful and potentially harmful substances, including carcinogens, heavy metals like lead, volatile organic compounds, and flavoring chemicals linked to lung disease.
- Cessation Tool: The ACS states that e-cigarettes are not currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a smoking cessation device. While some smokers might use them to try to quit combustible cigarettes, the ACS recommends that smokers first use FDA-approved cessation methods. For adult smokers who have been unsuccessful with approved methods, the ACS advises that they should switch completely from combustible cigarettes to e-cigarettes, use them for the shortest time possible to quit all tobacco products, and understand the potential risks. Dual use (using both e-cigarettes and combustible cigarettes) is not an effective way to reduce harm.
Recommendations:
The ACS supports several public health strategies regarding e-cigarettes:
- Strong Regulation: Comprehensive FDA regulation of the manufacturing, marketing, and sale of all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. This includes restricting flavors that appeal to youth and preventing marketing that targets young people.
- Taxation: Taxing e-cigarettes at rates comparable to combustible cigarettes to deter youth initiation.
- Smoke-Free Policies: Including e-cigarettes in comprehensive smoke-free and tobacco-free policies.
- Continued Research: The ACS advocates for robust, ongoing research into the short-term and long-term health effects of e-cigarette use and their effectiveness as a cessation tool.
The primary goal of the ACS remains preventing anyone from starting to use tobacco in any form and helping all tobacco users quit. While e-cigarettes may be a less harmful option for adult smokers who completely switch from combustible cigarettes, the ultimate aim should be to stop using all tobacco products.
