Open Science, June 2022

      An open conversation on the science behind smoke-free alternatives​

      For our seventh Open Science event, we focused on the concept of tobacco harm reduction and the role scientifically substantiated smoke-free products can play by complementing existing tobacco control measures. We also discussed why the absence of combustion is an important first step in a harm reduction approach to smoking.

      The role of smoke-free products in tobacco harm reduction

      The best way to avoid the harm of smoking is to not start in the first place. For someone who already smokes, quitting smoking is the single best thing they can do to reduce their risk. And if a person won’t quit, then switching to a product that doesn’t burn tobacco is a better choice than continuing to smoke cigarettes. This is because the vast majority of harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoke and linked to smoking-related diseases are generated by combustion. 

      Event Details

      Live from the Cube

      Our Open Science event was held live at our R&D Center, The Cube, in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, on June 20, 2022.

       

      This Open Science event walked viewers through the science behind our smoke-free alternatives and discussed why completely switching to tobacco- or nicotine-containing products that do not burn tobacco, has the potential to present less risk of harm for adult smokers than continued smoking. 

      Open Science Speakers

      The session and live Q & A were moderated by former journalist, Sukhi Hayer.

      See more from our Open Science events

      PMIScience.com is operated by Philip Morris International for the purpose of publishing and disseminating scientific information about Philip Morris International’s efforts in support of its smoke-free product portfolio. This site is a global site for use by scientists, the public health and regulatory communities, and other stakeholders with an interest in tobacco policy. The purpose of this site is not advertising or marketing, nor is it directed at any specific market. It is not intended for use by consumers. New tobacco products sold in the United States are subject to FDA regulation; therefore the content of this site is not intended to make, and nor should it be construed as making, any product related claims in the United States without proper FDA authorization. ​
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      Reduced Risk Products ("RRPs”) is the term we use to refer to products that present, are likely to present, or have the potential to present less risk of harm to smokers who switch to these products versus continuing smoking. PMI has a range of RRPs in various stages of development, scientific assessment and commercialization. All of our RRPs are smoke-free products that deliver nicotine with far lower quantities of harmful and potentially harmful constituents than found in cigarette smoke.