The NCSCT (National Centre for Smoking Cessation and Training), and the NNA (New Nicotine Alliance), have released several short movies about smokers who have successfully made the transition to vaping.

A public health revolution?

Many health experts have spoken up in praise of this initiative. Lawyer and public health advocate David Sweanor said that this is a good example of how technology can be used to empower the public through spreading information. He said that this reminds him of the 1986 Ottawa Charter for Public Health, and its emphasis on encouraging people to take control of their health.

The spread of misinformation has not only been stopping smokers from considering the life saving switch, but also influenced many lawmakers in imposing harsh regulations in relation to the products. “Imagine if smokers everywhere were empowered through truthful information on relative risks and the availability of products and services that allowed them to readily act on that information. As I look at this video I see a public health revolution looking back at me.” said Sweanor.

The spread of misinformation about vaping products has been causing significant harm. Unfounded theories such as the one claiming that vaping may act as a “gateway” to smoking, have been spreading like wildfire and have not only been stopping smokers from considering the life saving switch, but have also influenced many lawmakers in imposing harsh regulations in relation to the products.

The need for reliable information

Interventions like the production of these films, which are produced with the intention of counteracting the damage that has been done, and help spread reliable information that could save millions of lives, bring hope. An industry that is being bullied in many countries and consumers who in some instances are made to feel like criminals for putting their health first, are being given a voice.