ALTHOUGH THE LONG-TERM HEALTH RISKS MAY TAKE DECADES TO FULLY EMERGE, MODELLING PRESENTED AT THE INSTITUTE AND FACULTY OF ACTUARIES CONFERENCE LAST YEAR SUGGESTS THAT LIFELONG VAPING COULD REDUCE LIFE EXPECTANCY BY BETWEEN 1.5 TO 12.3 YEARS.
Significant risk While e-cigarettes are generally considered less harmful than traditional cigarettes, the nicotine they contain remains a risk. Nicotine affects the entire body, raising blood pressure and heart rate, and narrowing arteries, which can increase the risk of heart attack. Research from the US found that the impact on cardiovascular health among vapers is similar to that of smokers, even though e-cigarette users tend to be younger.
Although the long-term health risks may take decades to fully emerge, modelling presented at the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries conference last year suggests that lifelong vaping could reduce life expectancy by between 1.5 to 12.3 years.
The chemicals in e-cigarette vapour have been linked to lung damage and death. In 2019, the US reported more than 2,800 non-fatal and 60 fatal cases of e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury( EVALI), mostly due to vitamin E acetate in counterfeit vape liquids. In the UK, one EVALI-related death has been recorded, and by January 2020, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency( MHRA) had logged 244 vapingrelated adverse events, including four fatalities. E-cigarettes are also linked to nicotine poisoning, which can cause seizures and brain damage, particularly in younger users.
“ This is partly due to them being the demographic most likely to use counterfeit and illegal products, but it may also be linked to ongoing brain development in children and young adults,” says Bray.
Smoking and nicotine questions
Currently, Zurich treats all forms of nicotine consumption the same, but the rising trends in vaping are prompting some reconsideration.
At present, Zurich asks potential customers about their use of cigarettes, roll-ups, vapes, e-cigarettes containing nicotine, cigars, pipes, and other tobacco or nicotine products, including patches and gum. Nicotine pouches and snus are not explicitly mentioned in this list but do count as being a“ nicotine product” and therefore should be disclosed by customers.
For vapes, e-cigarettes and nicotine replacement products, no detail about daily consumption is required. For other products, users must specify the type and average amount smoked per day.
“ We may need to start asking about consumption levels given the high nicotine content in some of these products – a 20mg vape delivers the same amount of nicotine as an entire pack of cigarettes,” says Bray.
“ What we once thought might be a concern in five- or ten-years’ time is now impacting the insurance-buying population.”
Nicotine can impair the developing brain, leading to issues like impulsivity and cognitive problems in young users.
To find out more about anything within this article or to learn more about Zurich, visit: www. ZurichIntermediary. co. uk
Zurich Assurance Ltd, authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Registered in England and Wales under company number 02456671. Registered office: Unity Place, 1 Carfax Close, Swindon SN1 1AP
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