April 22, - A significant increase in the number of e-cigarette users worldwide has been reported, according to the latest study by the Global Status of Tobacco Harm Reduction (GSTHR).

A new peer-reviewed paper published this week in the journal Drugs, Habits and Social Policy estimates that there are now 82 million e-cigarette users worldwide. The GSTHR project from the UK's public health body Knowledge Action for Change (KAC) found the 2021 figure was 20% higher than in 2020.

E-cigarettes are a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes, according to KAC.

"Every year, 8 million people around the world die from smoking." "The group wrote in a press release. "The increase in the number of e-cigarette users, most of whom have already switched from vaping, is therefore a very positive step towards reducing the harm of combustible cigarettes and accelerating smoking cessation."

The new research comes shortly after the UK government announced its Swap to Stop scheme, which aims to provide a million smokers with free e-cigarette starter kits to help them quit.

Lax vaping laws in the UK have helped reduce smoking rates to their lowest levels since records began, according to the KAC.

"However, the UK's support for the use of e-cigarettes to reduce tobacco harm is in stark contrast to the situation in many countries." "KAC wrote. "GSTHR data shows e-cigarettes are banned in 36 countries and a regulatory and legislative vacuum exists in another 84. Millions of smokers who want to switch to safer e-cigarettes are unable to do so due to bans, poor product regulation or non-existence, or may be forced to buy potentially unsafe products on the black or grey market."

GSTHR research shows that despite restrictive regulations or bans in many countries, an increasing number of people are choosing to switch to safer alternatives to combustible tobacco.

KAC writes: The UK, like other countries such as New Zealand, provides strong evidence that the government's positive message about e-cigarettes reducing tobacco harm can accelerate reductions in smoking rates. But an international conference on tobacco control later this year could jeopardise global progress in reducing smoking-related death and disease by reducing the harm of tobacco.

The public health agency added, referring to the World Health Organization's Conference of the Parties to the Framework Convention on Tobacco control. Tobacco control is scheduled to take place in Panama City in November.

Who remains opposed to the use of safer nicotine products to stop smoking, despite supporting harm reduction in other areas of public health, such as drug use and HIV/AIDS prevention.

"The latest global State of tobacco Harm Reduction estimates indicate that 82 million people worldwide now use e-cigarettes, proving that consumers find these products attractive." Gerry Stimson, director of KAC and emeritus professor at Imperial College London. "As demonstrated in the UK, millions of people are quitting. Safer nicotine products give a billion smokers around the world the chance to quit using alternatives that pose a significant reduction in risk to their health."以上翻译结果来自有道神经网络翻译（YNMT）· 通用场景