Posted on: 12 November 2024
West Yorkshire Tobacco Alliance has issued a new statement supporting vaping as a tool to quit smoking. The aim is to reduce the region's high smoking rate, currently at 12.1%, which is above the national average. Backed by the West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership, the statement highlights vaping as a safer alternative to smoking for adults who want to quit. However, it strongly discourages use among non-smokers especially children and young people, aligning with the national stance from England's Chief Medical Officer.
The Alliance emphasises the dangers of smoking, which contributes to nearly 9,000 preventable deaths annually in the region and results in almost 20,000 hospitalisations due to related illnesses. Although vapes can be an effective tool to help people quit smoking, we have also seen a rise in young people vaping. To address this, the statement also outlines measures to curb the marketing of vapes to children and prevent illegal trade.
Kaye Mann, West Yorkshire Tobacco Control Lead, said: “Vaping presents an opportunity for adult smokers to quit smoking and improve their health. Our goal is to support smokers in making this transition while ensuring that non-smokers, especially children, are protected from taking up vaping. The message is clear, if you don’t smoke, don’t vape.”
Working in partnership across West Yorkshire, we aim to achieve a smokefree generation by 2030, with a smoking prevalence of less than 5%. We will review the statement regularly in light of any new evidence and legislation.