Vaping Saved My Life

Kurt reminds us what Vaping Saved My Life (VSML) stands for — and the deeply personal story that sparked the initiative. After losing both his parents to smoking-related diseases and struggling to quit a 20-year, 40-a-day cigarette habit, Kurt found the one thing that worked: vaping.
Within just 3 days, he quit for good. 🚭 This initiative was born from personal tragedy and driven by the urgent need for safer alternatives—it's not just advocacy, it's lived experience in action. #VapingSavedMyLife | #THR | #HarmReduction | #QuitSmoking | #PublicHealth | #SmokeFreeFuture | #VSML

expert reaction to systematic review of ecigs for stopping smoking sciencemediacentre.org/expert-reactio…

Another thorough dismantling by @RobertoSussman of a secondhand vapor exposure study: pubpeer.com/publications/2…

.ore evidence @HealthZA @ParliamentofRSA @MRCza

Some encouraging news for THR science! 🎉 A deeply flawed article on e-cigarettes & cancer has just been retracted, following a letter to the editor criticizing the paper. 👇 @RetractionWatch Original article: doi.org/10.1016/j.jcpo…

“The differentiation has to be true, real, and based on science rather than on emotion. We need a clear distinction between those.” - @DrKgosiLetlape africanews24.com/health-departm…

The World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control continues to ignore tobacco harm reduction, consumer voices, and mounting evidence. Safer nicotine alternatives are reducing smoking where embraced. Policy should follow science—not ideology. Lives depend on it.

✨ In just a few days, we will celebrate the 21st anniversary of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. One year ago, we launched this video — and its message remains as valid and relevant as ever. For over two decades, the WHO FCTC — one of the most widely embraced @unitednations treaties in history — has saved lives, reduced tobacco consumption, and advanced health equity across the globe. It stands as an evidence-based blueprint for strong tobacco control policies. As we mark this milestone, we renew our commitment to fully implementing the WHO FCTC and accelerating progress toward the #SDGs — especially #SDG3: Good Health and Well-being. Let’s unite to celebrate the progress made and strengthen our resolve for a healthier, more sustainable, tobacco-free future — not only for today, but for generations to come. 🚭🌱 fctc.who.int/newsroom/event…

@Jack_McFakey Ironically, article 1.D of the FCTC clearly states that harm reduction forms part of the definition of tobacco control.

@VSML_SA You're right about almost everything. Except it's NOT South Africa. The world signed up to WHO treaties & committed to reducing smoking incidence.Principle article of control is 2005 Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). This is legally binding on its 182 signatories.

WILFUL IGNORANCE 70% illicit cigarettes. Excise hike on safer alternative vape liquids. Wrong target. Wrong signal. Wrong outcome. They are not serious in tackling the smoking situation in South Africa.

This is an AI-generated audio overview based on a comprehensive search of 50 research sources that compares scientific methods for establishing harm. Comparing the observational approach of the 1960s, with the technological techniques used in the 21st century. youtu.be/fgKIQHkqZcQ?si…

This is an AI-generated audio overview based on a comprehensive search of 68 research sources that compare cigarettes and e-cigarettes. The goal is to explain the evidence across several key areas: chemistry, exposure, youth “gateway” claims, technology distrust, and public health impact. youtu.be/xzi6SVstJ18?si…

@ChaunceyGardner You are most welcome

@VSML_SA With your permission, I'll steal that infographic. Awaiting your reply.

While the name "EVALI" suggests that all e-cigarettes or vaping products were responsible, the reality was much more specific: The True Cause: The outbreak was caused by vitamin E acetate, an oily thickening agent found in illicit THC products, not by nicotine e-liquids. Geography: This was a localised "market problem" in the United States, not a global "technology problem". Countries with regulated nicotine markets and fewer illegal THC additives had virtually no cases. The Chemical Conflict: Nicotine e-liquids are water-soluble and cannot be combined with oil-based vitamin E acetate.

We have travelled from a 1960s model of rigid abstinence to a 2020s continuum of risk. Science has successfully identified the enemy: not nicotine itself, but the combustion required to consume it. vsml.co.za/the-great-deco…

Been bombarded by social media posts on Popcorn Lung and vaping? Well, let's address the topic AGAIN in this short explainer video. So, comment, like and share. The story of "popcorn lung" and vaping is a powerful example of how a frightening term can become detached from its original context. The narrative is far more nuanced than media headlines suggest. The chemical of concern originated in a factory, is now banned in regulated e-liquids in the UK and EU, and is present at vastly higher levels in tobacco smoke without causing the disease. Not a single clinically provne case has been recorded. youtu.be/p8MtHpfCSqc?si…

Don’t miss this conversation from last year’s Good COP 2.0! Reem Ibrahim shares her personal journey from teenage smoker to harm reduction advocate, and why giving adults safer choices is key to public health. Learn about the challenges, politics, and the powerful role of personal stories in shaping policy. A must-watch for anyone passionate about freedom, health, and real change. 🎥🌍 #TobaccoHarmReduction | #PublicHealth | #SaferChoices | #GoodCOP2

🚨 Don’t miss this! 🚨 Professor Tikki Pangestu, former WHO expert, shares insights on the role of evidence in public health, global tobacco harm reduction, and why safer alternatives are critical today. 🌍💡 Discover the challenges, politics, and strategies shaping health policy worldwide in this must-watch conversation. 🎥👀 #PublicHealth | #TobaccoHarmReduction | #EvidenceMatters | #HealthPolicy

My conversation with Kurt @Kurt_Yeo

What if we’ve been treating smoking all wrong? In this compelling interview, @Kurt_Yeo sits down with @DrMtyndall to unpack his book Behind the Smoke of Fears and draw striking parallels between HIV treatment and smoking cessation. With decades in public health, Dr. Tyndall makes a powerful ethical case for vaping as a treatment for smoking, grounded in evidence, compassion, and saving lives. If you care about truth over fear, and policies that actually reduce harm, this is a must-watch. 👀 #TobaccoHarmReduction | #PublicHealth | #SmokingCessation | #VSMLSA

To every supporter, advocate, and voice in our community, thank you. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful, safe, and restorative festive season. Your continued support, courage, and willingness to stand up for evidence-based tobacco harm reduction make this movement possible. Every conversation shared, every story told, and every challenge to misinformation matters. As we look toward the new year, let’s continue to push for truth, compassion, and policies that respect adult choice and save lives. We are grateful for you. We are stronger together. We are the evidence.

Public health messaging on nicotine is missing the mark. Confusing nicotine with smoking and ignoring adult use of flavours creates mixed messages that leave people uncertain, not informed. Clear, evidence-based communication matters because confusion costs lives. bit.ly/3MKuYNA