How the public views electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and their potential harm may influence how e-cigarettes are used. Although e-cigarettes convey risks, they have also demonstrated efficacy for quitting combustible cigarette smoking. We found that perceptions of e-cigarettes have shifted markedly over the past decade, with increasing proportions of US adults viewing e-cigarettes as more harmful than combustible cigarettes. How such perceptions influence smoking behavior represents an important consideration for risk communication, public health policy, and tobacco control strategies. Clear, evidenced-based messaging may reduce uptake of e-cigarette use, support harm-reduction efforts for current smokers, and promote trust in public health institutions.
Wu et al. (Fri,) studied this question.