USPSTF Urges Clinicians Not to Recommend E-Cigarettes to Patients

Chicago, IL (May 5, 2015)—

The American Lung Association welcomes the updated draft recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) on tobacco cessation interventions in adults. Once again, the USPSTF recognizes that helping smokers quit earns an “A” grade for its overall efficacy.

“Quitting smoking is one of the single most effective things someone can do to improve their health,” said Harold P. Wimmer, National President and CEO of the American Lung Association. “Heath care providers play a key role in supporting and assisting their patients so they can quit for good.”                                                

For the first time, the USPSTF reviewed the scientific evidence around electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), commonly known as e-cigarettes, and determined that there is insufficient information on whether ENDS are “more helpful or harmful” for helping smokers quit. Instead, USPSTF urged clinicians to direct their patients who smoke to cessation interventions that have been proven to be safe and effective.

“The American Lung Association agrees with the Task Force’s recommendations that clinicians should only be recommending proven smoking cessation interventions to their patients,” said Wimmer. “E-cigarettes are an unregulated tobacco product and no e-cigarette has been found by FDA to be safe and effective in helping smokers quit.”

The American Lung Association will carefully review the USPSTF recommendations and file detailed comments supported by the most current U.S. Public Health Service’s Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence Clinical Guideline.

In 2014, the U.S. Surgeon General concluded that 480,000 Americans die each year from tobacco caused death and disease. Another 16 million are living with a tobacco-caused disease. However, more than 51 million Americans have successfully quit smoking and former smokers now outnumber current smokers in the U.S.

For media interested in speaking with an expert about lung health, tobacco use and tobacco policies, contact the American Lung Association at Media@Lung.org or 312-801-7628.

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About the American Lung Association The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease, through research, education and advocacy. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to improve the air we breathe; to reduce the burden of lung disease on individuals and their families; and to eliminate tobacco use and tobacco-related diseases.  For more information about the American Lung Association, a holder of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Guide Seal, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org.