What are the
Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) encompasses strategies, science and products designed to support adult smokers in quitting cigarettes or switching to less harmful nicotine alternatives. At its core, the purpose of THR is to prevent smoking-related diseases, disability and premature deaths - thereby enhancing quality of life.
1
Facilitating Smoking Cessation
THR products, such as vapes (e-cigarettes) and oral nicotine pouches, have been shown to aid smokers in quitting. Studies indicate that e-cigarettes are more effective for smoking cessation than nicotine-replacement therapy when both are accompanied by behavioral support.
2
Preventing Smoking-Related Disease
By quitting or replacing combustible cigarettes with less harmful nicotine alternatives, THR products can reduce the risk of diseases associated with smoking, such as cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart disease.
3
Preventing Smoking-Related Disability
Quitting or switching away from cigarettes improves productivity, reduces absenteeism and loss of “disability adjusted life years” (DALYS).
4
Preventing Smoking-Related Premature Death
Projections show that replacing cigarette smoking with smoke-free nicotine alternatives could yield substantial life years gained, even under pessimistic assumptions.
5
Improving Quality of Life
Ex-smokers who have switched to THR products report enhancements in their quality of life, including better breathing, improved senses of taste and smell, and overall health improvement. Read the testimonials from people who have struggled to quit below
6
Providing Economic Benefits
Smoking cessation or switching to smoke-free nicotine alternatives could lead to substantial economic advantages, including reduced healthcare costs and increased productivity. THR can contribute to these economic benefits by helping individuals quit smoking. The Saving Lives Like Sweden report argues that adopting tobacco harm reduction strategies, similar to Sweden’s approach, could lead to substantial economic benefits.
References
Hartmann-Boyce J, McRobbie H, Bullen C, Begh R, Stead LF, Hajek P. Electronic cigarettes for smoking cessation. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;9:CD010216
Reference Link
Zhu SH, Zhuang YL, Wong S, Cummins SE, Tedeschi GJ. E-cigarette use and associated changes in population smoking cessation: evidence from US current population surveys. BMJ. 2017;358:j3262 Reference Link
Oral Nicotine Commission. (2024). Oral Nicotine Commission Report: November 2024. Retrieved from Reference Link
Human, D., Ramström, L., Borland, R., & Wikmans, T. (2022). Saving Lives Like Sweden: The Case for Tobacco Harm Reduction. Smoke Free Sweden. View Report
Read More on the Life-saving Potential of THR
Implementing THR strategies, supported by scientific evidence, offers a viable pathway to reduce the global health burden associated with smoking.
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