E-cigarettes increase harm and should be discouraged

Nature Human Behaviour, Published online: 15 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41562-026-02470-z Ever since electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) were first marketed in 2004, they have been promoted as ‘tobacco harm reduction’ on the basis of the assumption that they are a less toxic way for smokers to consume nicotine. As detailed below, current evidence does not support this. E-cigarettes as actually used can increase harm and use should be discouraged.