Karl Fagerström: ‘A tobacco-free society is a realistic goal, but a nicotine-free society is difficult’

Karl Olov Fagerström, a renowned clinical psychologist, created a nicotine addiction test 45 years ago. He continues to advocate for harm reduction, stating that pure nicotine is less harmful than tobacco combustion. Fagerström promotes a tobacco-free society with less harmful alternatives like e-cigarettes and snus. Swedish data shows the effectiveness of these harm reduction strategies. He supports the UK NHS's initiative to provide free vaping kits to smokers. While some caution against e-cigarettes, Fagerström believes they are a safer option. He highlights the importance of harm reduction for individuals with mental disorders who have a higher prevalence of tobacco use.