National Health and Medical Research Council statement on electronic cigarettes: 2022 update

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Toxicology
• Regulatory Science

Background:

• Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use has surged in Australia since 2017.
• Product types and user demographics have evolved, raising public health concerns, especially regarding adolescent non-smokers.
• Increased social media exposure correlates with higher e-cigarette experimentation among adolescents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the latest evidence on e-cigarette use and its health implications.
• To provide an updated National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) statement on e-cigarettes.
• To inform public health strategies and interventions related to e-cigarette use.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive review of current scientific evidence on e-cigarette use and harms.
• Analysis of changes in e-cigarette products and user demographics.
• Development of updated recommendations based on the evidence review.

Main Results:

• The evidence base for e-cigarette-related harms has strengthened.
• E-cigarette use exposes users to potentially harmful chemicals and toxins.
• No health benefits exist for non-smokers using e-cigarettes; proven cessation aids are available.

Conclusions:

• E-cigarette use poses potential health risks, with evidence of harm strengthening.
• Gaps in knowledge persist regarding long-term health effects and aerosol toxicity.
• Public health professionals express concern over increased e-cigarette use, particularly among young people.