A summary of a European Respiratory Society (ERS) statement on novel nicotine and tobacco products, their role in tobacco control and “harm reduction” published in the European Respiratory Journal.
A growing number of new tobacco and nicotine products have emerged in recent years, including e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products and nicotine pouches. These products often contain high levels of nicotine. The use of flavourings has made these products particularly appealing to young people however, the long-term health effects are not fully understood. More research is emerging, shedding light on the potential health risks associated with them.
The tobacco industry has developed the concept of ‘harm reduction’, which suggests that it is beneficial to use other products to reduce the harm caused by smoking. Harm reduction originated as a way to help people with drug addiction. It recognises that complete abstinence is not always possible.
In this statement members of the ERS Tobacco Control Committee investigated the new tobacco and nicotine products and their role in tobacco “harm reduction”. The statement lays out the following positions:
The statement highlights important information and research that is still missing. It also lays out the position of ERS on these novel products.
Check out our resource on novel tobacco and nicotine products