Smoking fewer cigarettes not enough to reduce harm caused by smoking

Dubai: Whether it concerns climate change or modern medicine, the spread of misinformation continues to have a detrimental effect on society. As well as being difficult to identify, these false narratives often lead to confusion and further harm as the result of not well-informed decisions. When it comes to cigarette smoking, a number of these myths are still around.

One such myth is the insinuation that smoking fewer cigarettes will reduce harm caused by smoking. This simply isn’t the case— there’s no safe level of cigarette use. Smoking even a small amount can cause damage to your body, which is why smokers concerned about their health should seek advice and support to quit tobacco and nicotine products altogether. Put simply, the only way to eliminate further risk of harm is to quit smoking for good.

There are more than 6,000 chemicals in cigarette smoke, around 100 of which have been identified by public health authorities as harmful or potentially harmful. Many wrongly believe nicotine presents the greatest health risk related to smoking, but while addictive and not risk-free, nicotine is not the primary cause of smoking-related diseases—the high levels of harmful and potentially harmful chemicals in the smoke generated by combustion are.

Humans have been consistently creative and inventive, finding ways to solve problems to make life easier and more enjoyable. While this is typically a positive, we also learn that creative inventions can also lead to unforeseen problems. Innovation never stops, and with the help of science, technology, and human creativity it allows us to create solutions.

Think about electric cars. The world has become increasingly aware of the harmful effect the combustion engine has on the environment. For years, car companies have been experimenting and developing new technologies to enable fully electric engines. Driving has not become any rarer, in fact the number of drivers on the roads has only increased. Thanks to years of research and development, electric cars are now a common sight.

We are also finding ways to power our lives by doing less harm to the environment than traditional methods of power generation. The energy-saving lightbulbs which utilised LED were developed and were much more energy efficient than traditional filament bulbs. So, people still had access to electric light, but with reduced environmental impact.

This is an example of an idea known as harm-reduction. Rather than abandoning the technology because of the harm it causes, harm reduction accepts that innovation needs reviewing and improving, and that there are often better ways to do the same things, which keep the desired effects while minimising the unintended negatives. Harm reduction also applies to tobacco.

Those who don’t quit smoking might wish to explore alternatives to continued smoking that avoid burning tobacco. Scientifically substantiated smoke-free products that do not produce smoke can reduce the levels of harmful chemicals compared to cigarettes, making them a better alternative for adults compared to continued smoking. They are not risk-free and provide nicotine, which is addictive, but are better for adults than continuing to smoke.

While nicotine is not the primary cause of smoking-related disease, it is addictive and not risk-free. Certain people should not use products that contain nicotine. This includes pregnant or breastfeeding women and people with heart disease, severe high blood pressure, or diabetes. Minors should not use or have access to tobacco or nicotine-containing products.

Separating fact from fiction helps us make informed decisions in our lives. Moving away from cigarettes is a positive step in whatever form that takes — the best choice is to quit altogether, but for those who won’t, exploring smoke-free options can present a better alternative to continued smoking.

- Sponsored by Philip Morris Management Services (Middle East) Limited