Misconceptions around nicotine
Nicotine, a naturally occurring alkaloid found in tobacco plants, is addictive and not risk free, however, it is not the primary cause of smoking-related diseases. In fact, it has been scientifically substantiated that the primary health risks associated with smoking stem from the combustion of tobacco. Burning tobacco releases thousands of chemicals, many of which are harmful and are primarily responsible for the majority of smoking-related diseases, including lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Nonetheless, the misconception that nicotine is a major cause of smoking-related disease has led to policies that may not effectively address the root of the problem associated with smoking.
The role of nicotine in harm reduction policies
To devise policies which can effectively combat smoking-related diseases, it is crucial to distinguish between the risks associated with nicotine and those caused by tobacco combustion. Policies should be informed by scientific evidence and recognize the potential of harm reduction strategies. By doing so, adult smokers can be better supported in their journey to stop smoking for good and ultimately achieve better public health outcomes. Indeed, nicotine is a crucial part of the harm reduction equation: it is not enough to offer less harmful products, they also need to be an acceptable substitute to cigarette smoking—in other words, they should deliver nicotine, as well as a satisfactory taste and sensory experience that help adult smokers who would otherwise continue to smoke to fully transition to better alternatives.
