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THR PRODUCTS USED TO REDUCE TOBACCO HARM
Alternative delivery devices such as nicotine vaping products could play a critical role in reducing the enormous health burden caused by cigarette smoking, which remains the largest single risk factor for death…..” Public Health England (PHE) 7th independent report.
Cigarettes are still the most widely consumed tobacco product worldwide. Of all the tobacco and nicotine products sold, 92% are cigarettes (approximately 6.3 trillion cigarettes are consumed per year).
Global public health experts agree that quitting cigarettes completely is the preferred way to minimise the risks of smoking. But for those who cannot or do not want to quit, switching to reduced harm alternatives could literally save smokers’ lives. All these products deliver nicotine without the toxic smoke generated from combustible tobacco. Some nicotine-based alternatives include:
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E-cigarettes (also called vaping) are battery-powered smoking devices, with cartridges containing nicotine and other ingredients that are heated into a vapour and inhaled.
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Oral nicotine pouches deliver nicotine through the lining of the mouth.
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Heated tobacco products heat actual tobacco, (but no burning of leaves) to produce an inhalable vapour.
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Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is used specifically for smoking cessation – in the form of nicotine gum, patches, sprays, inhalers or lozenges that are absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes – without the other harmful chemicals in tobacco.
THIS WEBSITE FIRMLY DISCOURAGES MINORS OR NON-SMOKERS USING TOBACCO HARM REDUCTION PRODUCTS.
E-CIGARETTES
OTHER NAMES:
Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), e-cigs, vaping
This website fully supports the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco (FCTC), in particular Article 1, which endorses “harm reduction strategies”.
“Smoking is estimated to be twenty times more harmful to users than vaping e-cigarettes.”
Professor David J Nutt, Neuro-Psychopharmacologist, Imperial College London.
WHAT IS IT? Electronic cigarette products operate by heating an element that vaporises an e-liquid solution inside a cartridge. This contains a solution comprising glycerol, propylene glycol, distilled water and flavourings that may or may not contain nicotine. There are many different forms of these products, including disposable and refillable ones.
BENEFITS:
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At least 95% less harmful than cigarettes – vapour produced in e-cigarettes does not contain any of the tar or the 6000+ chemicals found in combustible tobacco smoke.
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Highly effective to help smokers quit and prevent smoking relapses.
ORAL NICOTINE POUCHES
OTHER NAMES:
Oral Nicotine Delivery System (ONDS), smokeless nicotine
The user places the pouch in the mouth between the gum and cheek. No combustion is involved. Once in place, the saliva and general moistness of the mouth work to release the nicotine into the system. After use, the pouch is usually discarded into the disposable compartment of the can. It does not require refrigeration. Unlike vaping products, it requires no batteries. Click HERE to read the Oral Nicotine Report.
“The best-kept secret in tobacco control seems to be smoke-free oral tobacco and nicotine. In Sweden, snus use has decreased cigarette smoking prevalence to as low as 5%, compared to the European Union average of 26%.”
WHAT IS IT? Oral Nicotine Pouches represent the next generation in smokeless, tobacco-free nicotine products. People trying to quit cigarettes, but who like the effect of nicotine or may simply want to prevent those around them from inhaling second-hand smoke, may consider using these products. These tiny, white, permeable nicotine pouches contain nicotine, along with food-grade fillers, salt, water, and they come in different flavours.
BENEFITS:
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Low risk oral nicotine product.
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Highly effective way of quitting cigarettes.
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Eliminates second-hand smoke.
HEATED TOBACCO PRODUCTS
OTHER NAMES:
Heat-not-Burn (HnB)
The heating process creates a vapour that contains nicotine and flavours from the tobacco. These products aim to mimic the experience of smoking, but with much lower risk.
“The best-kept secret in tobacco control seems to be smoke-free oral tobacco and nicotine. In Sweden, snus use has decreased cigarette smoking prevalence to as low as 5%, compared to the European Union average of 26%.”
WHAT IS IT? Heated tobacco products use a battery or other heating source in an electronically-controlled cartridge that holds tobacco sticks, plugs or capsules, which are then heated (but not burned). The vapour is then inhaled by the consumer.
WHY IT CAN HELP YOU QUIT SMOKING
The products provide smokers with a smoke-free alternative method of consuming tobacco.
PRECAUTION
While heated tobacco products offer the potential for tobacco harm reduction, they do not provide as much reduction in toxicants as e-cigarettes.
NICOTINE REPLACEMENT THERAPY (NRT)
OTHER NAMES:
Medicinal nicotine
Medicinal nicotine products enable the user to absorb nicotine through the skin via transdermal patches or via the mucous membranes inside the mouth.
Smokers can prevent tobacco-related disease. Quit or Switch to Smoke-free Nicotine alternatives
WHAT IS IT? NRTs are products that provide nicotine, which is absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes – without the other harmful chemicals in tobacco. NRT products come in different formats, such as gum, patches, sprays, inhalers or lozenges. Patches, gum and lozenges can be purchased over the counter, while nasal sprays and inhalers require a prescription.
WHY NRT CAN HELP YOU QUIT SMOKING
Nicotine in the form of NRT is on the World Health Organization List of Essential Medicines as the preferred method to quit smoking cigarettes. Most medicine regulatory bodies have approved its use to reduce smoking- related death and disease. Before you quit tobacco and want to try NRT, discuss your dose with a health professional.
NRT PRODUCTS WORK IN DIFFERENT WAYS:
Nicotine gum is not meant to be used like regular gum, so follow the package instructions. Gum is usually recommended for six to 12 weeks.
Gum releases fast-acting nicotine through the mucous membrane of the mouth.
Lozenges are available in various strengths (2 mg and 4 mg) and release nicotine through the mucous membranes of the mouth. The user sucks on the lozenge until it is fully dissolved (about 20 to 30 minutes). Nicotine lozenges should not be swallowed, bitten or chewed like a hard toffee.
Patches (transdermal nicotine systems) – provide a measured dose of nicotine through the skin to help the smoker wean off nicotine by switching to lower-dose patches over a course of weeks. Patches can be used for a total of three to five months.
The nasal spray inhaler comprises a thin plastic tube containing a nicotine cartridge that delivers a pure nicotine vapour into the mouth and throat when the user puffs on the inhaler. Inhalers deliver nicotine to the bloodstream more rapidly than other NRTs to relieve withdrawal symptoms and control nicotine symptoms. They should not be used for longer than six months.