Vaping saves lives, so why is the industry still stigmatised?

Vaping once again finds solid grounds with the medical bodies of the world, as Public Health England announces that the UK is now seeing the least amount of people smoking in years. And they believe that vaping is key, so why is the vaping industry treated so poorly in world politics?

Public Health England announced that e-cigarettes were 95% safer than smoking in a report unveiled last year, which the Royal College of Physicians also agreed upon. 

With over 2.8 million vapers in England and enormous health benefits for millions of members of the public, it still remains a mystery as to why the World Health Organisation refuses to advocate e-cigarettes.

Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, the WHO is looking to place further restrictions on these devices, which could save millions of lives in the future. Major ramifications may occur after the WHO convenes in New Delhi in November to discuss regulation, taxation and distribution.

Currently, only France and the UK  has given vaping the platform it deserves, while also placing severe restrictions upon tobacco. They and the UK are pioneering a supportive environment for the vaping industry, after recognising the benefits that seem obscured to other major powers.

The UK has the power to change opinions in the EU, both publicly and politically, but until the stigma around vaping is dissipated by further studies and public uptake, it could be a difficult future.

It does however cause concern that many governments are willing to allow the sale and use of a proven deadly substance, rather than taking a chance on an industry that has repeatedly shown overwhelming evidence that its a safe alternative. Funny that.

So, what can you do? How can you help the vaping industry find greater footing when so much is against it?

Simple. Vape, discuss and petition. Don't be the silent observer and shout the loudest, so those who could disband the best means of beating smoking for good can finally get the message.

The British public has to be vocal to ensure a rash and hasty decision doesn't end up leading to more horrors as a result of big tobacco. We have the chance to put an end to a multi-billion dollar industry that profits off the addition and suffering of millions, and we can't just let that go to waste.

If the only way to stop the tobacco industry is with fierce competition, we'll sure as hell give it to them. Just so long as politics don't continue to get in the way.