Report reveals grave consequences of flavour ban for vapers in Donegal

Analysis carried out by the Reduced Risk Products Association (RRPA) has revealed how restrictions on vape flavours in Donegal could have a significant negative impact on public health and put thousands of vapers’ lives at risk.

Donegal has an adult vaping population of 9,630 individuals and 7,897 are either current or former smokers who are vaping to reduce or quit their cigarette consumption. Flavoured vapes are critical to supporting these smokers who want to quit, with 95% of vapes sold in Ireland non-tobacco flavours.

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However data has revealed how the Government’s plans to restrict vape flavours to tobacco only could result in 1,737 adult vapers in Donegal returning to smoking – significantly impacting public health. This would also result in 12,682,197 million additional cigarettes being smoked annually in Donegal.

Smoking remains the single biggest threat to public health in Ireland, resulting in 6,000 deaths and 44,000 hospitalisations per year. One in every two smokers will die from a smoking-related disease. If 1,737 adult vapers started smoking again, it could result in an additional 869 smoking-related deaths in Donegal.

Spokesperson for the RRPA, Joe Dunne, said: “Vaping is helping thousands of smokers in Ireland reduce their smoking and quit for good. The RRPA is supportive of measures to keep vapes out of the hands of under 18s and non-smokers but we believe a ban on flavours could put smokers’ lives at risk.

“We are calling on the government and politicians to avoid a public health catastrophe around vaping and ensure there is a sensible approach to regulating vaping that will protect both children and the health outlook for smokers.”