Even with ongoing efforts to discourage smoking and the global push to help smokers quit, it’s estimated that around one billion people worldwide are still lighting up today.
There’s no debate that the best decision any smoker can make is to quit tobacco and nicotine for good. However, the harsh reality is that, each year, 90% of smokers don’t manage to quit. That’s where smoke-free alternatives come in, offering a healthier option for those looking to make a better choice.
Countries that include smoke-free alternatives in their strategies to tackle smoking can see faster reductions in smoking rates compared to relying solely on traditional tobacco control measures. However, nations with rigid tobacco control policies are limiting access to these alternatives, preventing many smokers—who haven’t quit yet—from being informed about or having access to better options than cigarettes.
Many public health authorities agree that the harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke are the main culprits behind smoking-related diseases. However, smoke-free products like nicotine pouches, snus, heated tobacco, and e-cigarettes release far fewer harmful chemicals compared to traditional cigarette smoke, making them a significantly less harmful alternative.
Society should be doing more to support the millions of adult smokers by making science-backed, smoke-free tobacco and nicotine options readily available. It’s also crucial to ensure that smokers have access to reliable information about these alternatives, so they can make informed choices for their health.
Tobacco harm reduction, when integrated with traditional tobacco control measures like preventing initiation and promoting cessation, can play a key role in accelerating the decline in smoking rates. By offering safer alternatives, harm reduction can complement existing efforts and speed up progress in reducing smoking prevalence.
Nicotine products that don’t involve smoke can be a game-changer in the push for a smoke-free world. By making these alternatives accessible and affordable to all adult smokers, governments could speed up the journey to a smoke-free future—potentially faster than relying on traditional tobacco control measures alone.
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