Global Health Forum: The effects of alternative smoking materials on health

IGHI host forum to discuss and disseminate research in alternative smoking materials.

Whilst cigarette consumption has declined, we have seen an increase in the use of shisha, e-cigarettes and marijuana. As the popularity of these are relatively new, studies are still in the process of formulating an accurate picture of their health risks.

This month, the Institute of Global Health Innovation’s Global Health Forum focused on the health effects of alternative smoking materials. 

The forum began with a presentation from Peter Burney, Professor of Respiratory Epidemiology and Public Health at the National Heart and Lung Institute. Professor Burney looked at how much chronic airflow obstruction is due to smoking.

Dr Nick Hopkinson, a Clinical Senior Lecturer at Imperial College and Honorary Consultant Chest Physician at The Royal Brompton Hospital then gave the audience some clear insight into the approach of e-cigarettes. His talk covered a variety of influencing factors surrounding vaping, such as media coverage of its health effects.

This was followed by a presentation from Professor Martin Jarvis of University College London of Institutional Research Information Service who focused on the question, ‘Could novel nicotine delivery devices make cigarettes obsolete?’

The final speaker of the event, Onn Min Kon, Professor of Respiratory Medicine, focused on the effects marijuana can have on our lungs. His presentation showed that due to the heterogeneity of factors with cannabis use, studies do not currently agree on a clear conclusion.

Speakers then gathered for an insightful panel discussion taking questions for the audience. The full event can be watched in the video here. View the photos from the Forum here.

Get involved

IGHI’s monthly Global Health Forums provide a platform to bring together Imperial researchers, students, and staff from across all of Imperial’s Faculties to highlight, discuss and disseminate findings on current research and innovations on relevant global health topics. The Forums encourage interdisciplinary discussions with the intention that they will foster inter-Faculty research initiatives and leverage the immense strengths of Imperial College to resolve global health priorities of the early 21st Century.

The next forum will link with the second seminar run by the Centre for International Child Health. It will take place on Friday 19 May at 4:00pm at Anthony De Rothschild lecture theatre in Paddington, London, discussing ‘Adolescent Mental Health – Depression in Acton and Africa’.

To find out more and to register, visit the event page here.