A new study published in the journal Addiction found that nicotine e-cigarettes are more effective at quitting smoking than traditional methods such as nicotine patches or chewing gum. Researchers in Oxford want to quash claims that the evidence is mixed; their meta-analysis shows clear and consistent data supporting e-cigarettes as a successful smoking cessation tool. A 2024 study found that an additional 2 to 5 in 100 people successfully quit smoking when using e-cigarettes, compared to other replacement therapies.
While not without risk, switching from combustible tobacco to e-cigarettes significantly reduces exposure to cancer-causing chemicals. In this regard, Angela Difeng Wu, senior researcher and lecturer at the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences in Oxford, said: “We hope that this review and the Evidence and Gap Map can substantiate some claims that the evidence is mixed regarding the effects of nicotine e-cigarettes on smoking abstinence.”
Health risks and scientific gaps
Despite the reduction in toxins compared to tobacco, a February 2026 study confirmed that vapers are still exposed to cancer-causing chemicals. Because e-cigarettes are relatively new and constantly changing, their long-term health implications remain both evolving and unclear. Furthermore, the Oxford review found that current data on serious health complications is still insufficient to draw firm conclusions.
Global concerns and impact on children
The World Health Organization (WHO) remains an outspoken critic, saying these products are addicting children to nicotine and undermining years of progress in tobacco control. Estimates for 2025 show more than 100 million vapers worldwide, including 15 million children between the ages of 13 and 15. Ongoing controversies and perceived uncertainties continue to hamper international healthcare policy and individual clinical decisions.
