BETHLEHEM, Pa. — A new poll the Vapor Technology Association released reveals that three-quarters of voters across three swing states believe vaping is “as bad as or worse” than smoking cigarettes and other nicotine products.
Former Trump official Kellyanne Conway’s firm conducted the poll, which surveyed 600 registered voters in each of Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.
Despite scientific conclusions to the contrary, 75% of respondents said vaping is at least as bad as smoking.
Just 12% said it was better, with the remaining respondents unsure.
“This is the direct result of the [Food and Drug Administration’s] failure to truthfully and adequately inform Americans about the dramatically lower risks of vaping, particularly when compared to cigarettes, even though their leaders have admitted to that fact,” the VTA said.
“Further, the results illustrate the power of education and the danger of failing to honestly present the science when it comes to the issue of flavored e-cigarettes.”
Though they may perceive vaping as more dangerous than it actually is, a majority of poll respondents expressed opposition to outright bans on e-cigarettes and other vapor products once informed about studies showing them to be less harmful than tobacco.
In Wisconsin, respondents went from 62% in favor of a ban of flavored vapes to 51% opposed.
This trend continued across all political affiliations in both Michigan (55% in favor to 54% opposed) and Pennsylvania (58% in favor to 54% opposed) once voters became more informed.
“In this survey, we find voters favor common-sense reform over outright bans that put science over politics, to reduce harm and protect vulnerable communities like youth,” Conway said.
Still, a majority of respondents in all three states said they favor “fair and reasonable regulations” on e-cigarette access and marketing for young people — who are most at risk of addiction.
The minimum age of 21 for both cigarettes and e-cigarettes was signed into law by then-President Donald Trump in 2019.
“Voters tend to agree with statements that advocate for less government intrusion and present vaping as a harm-reduction tool for adult smokers,” the VTA said.
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