the electronic cigarette, an alternative to tobacco?

The idea of ​​prescribing electronic cigarettes in pharmacies is not unanimous. Some fear that the electronic cigarette has the opposite effect, that it leads, young people in particular, to tobacco. “This is obviously a crucial question. In France, researchers from the University of Paris Saclay analyzed the answers of more than 39,000 adolescents”indicates the doctor and journalist Damien Mascret, present Wednesday, May 31 on the set of 12/13.

“Among them, almost 2/3 had already smoked, either tobacco or an electronic cigarette, and sometimes both. Well, on the one hand 43% of those who have tried an electronic cigarette do not become tobacco smokers. And on the other hand, we see that experimenting with electronic cigarettes actually reduces the risk of becoming a daily tobacco smoker by 42%”adds Damien Mascret.

The e-cigarette is not safe for young people

It is a French peculiarity, “because in other countries, the electronic cigarette seems rather to increase the risk of becoming a tobacco smoker. In reality, it is necessary to compare what is comparable. In France, unfortunately, we have many more young smokers than elsewhere: 27 % of 15-18 year olds. It’s 15% in the UK and 8% in the US”explains Damien Mascret.

However, the electronic cigarette is not without danger among young people. “First, because the age of onset is important. Thus, the risk of later switching to tobacco increases for those who experiment with electronic cigarettes very young, at 9 or 10 years old”says the doctor. “The ideal remains not to smoke at all.”

Among our Sources:

Transition to tobacco

Electronic cigarette experiment

Non-exhaustive list