The importance of effective tobacco harm reduction strategy

The importance of effective tobacco harm reduction strategy
29 September 2021

STORIES AND FEATURES

The importance of effective tobacco harm reduction strategy

29 SEPTEMBER 2021

BAT’s Director of Scientific Research Dr David O’Reilly has contributed to the September edition of Tobacco Reporter magazine.


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 .

* Based on the weight of evidence and assuming a complete switch from cigarette smoking. These products are not risk-free and are addictive.
† Our products as sold in the US, including Vuse, Velo, Grizzly, Kodiak, and Camel Snus, are subject to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation and no reduced-risk claims will be made as to these products without FDA clearance.