Conference exposes the health myths around e-cigarettes and hand rolled tobacco.

There is no doubt that the public understand the health risks associated with smoking cigarettes. However, research by Smokefree South West suggests that the risks of smoking hand rolled cigarettes are not understood, in fact they are considered a ‘healthy’ alternative or a ‘cool’ accessory. How do myths like this arise and how can they be tackled?

Fiona Andrews will discuss initiatives being taken forward by Smokefree South West to address the issue of ‘rollies.’

Recent research however suggests that e-cigarettes may be used by smokers as a way of reducing their exposure to tobacco. Earlier this month ministers in Wales said they would consider banning the use of e-cigarettes in all enclosed public spaces in response to concerns they normalise smoking and undermine the ban on smoking in public places. As recently as last week Caerphilly CBC banned e-cigarettes from use in council-owned buildings and vehicles in their area for the same reasons.

Speaking ahead of the conference, Julie Barratt, Director of CIEH Wales, said: “Tobacco is one of the biggest killers of our time. It is a battle on many fronts, and as we tackle one part through legislative interventions such as the ban on smoking in public places, the ban on advertising and display and plain packaging other new challenges emerge. Public health practitioners need to be innovative in the way we engage with the emerging tobacco agenda.”

The conference, now in its eighth year, will feature top class international speakers and will be a major debate about how public health should best be delivered. There are many facets to wellbeing and there are many ways in which public health initiatives underpin it.