The importance of effective tobacco harm reduction strategy

29 September 2021

In the piece he writes about the importance tobacco harm reduction and policies that encourage adult smokers who would otherwise continue to smoke to switch completely to scientifically substantiated, reduced-risk alternatives.^*†

David also explains that as the world emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, tobacco harm reduction policy has never been more important to the public health debate, as countries face the ongoing challenge of minimising the health impact of smoking.

He goes on to say: “The availability of scientifically-substantiated, less risky^*† products such as vapour products, tobacco heating products and modern oral products are crucial to effective tobacco harm reduction.  Product regulations should recognise the role these alternatives can play in harm reduction by ensuring that high quality product standards are enforced, that consumers have access to information to make informed choices and, critically, that underage use is prevented.”

Although David acknowledges that not everybody thinks that progressive tobacco harm reduction strategies can be successful, he believes that the industry, government, scientists regulators and public health bodies must come together in order to drive meaningful change in the development of tobacco and nicotine policy.

Read the full article on the Tobacco Reporter website .