Global experts call for risk-based regulation of nicotine products
Global experts advocate for risk-based regulation of nicotine products, suggesting current tobacco control may not fully address the needs of smokers.Summary
Public health experts and researchers are urging governments to adopt risk-proportionate regulations for nicotine products, arguing that existing tobacco control measures may be insufficient for the world’s over one billion smokers. Recent analyses presented at international forums suggest that allowing a shift towards less harmful alternatives could significantly reduce smoking-related deaths. A report by the Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction estimates that a 20% switch to smoke-free alternatives within 10-15 years could lead to substantial reductions in deaths by 2060, potentially exceeding 100 million globally. Experts like Tikki Pang, Derek Yach, Chris Snowdon, and Peter Beckett emphasize the importance of considering the varying risks between products, highlighting e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and heated tobacco products as potentially lower-risk options. While evidence on these alternatives is still evolving, studies suggest they can be more effective for smoking cessation and offer potential public health benefits, with economic analyses indicating significant cost savings in healthcare and productivity.
(Source：Philstar.com)
