Smoke-free by 2040 within reach – but only with wider access to safer nicotine alternatives
May 04, 2026 by clearingtheair.eu
Smoke-free by 2040 within reach – but only with wider access to safer nicotine alternatives
Reaching a smoke-free target by 2040 is increasingly viewed as possible, but current strategies may not be sufficient on their own. Progress in reducing smoking rates appears to be slowing, particularly among more dependent and vulnerable populations. Expanding access to regulated smoke-free nicotine alternatives—such as vapes, heated tobacco and nicotine pouches—could help accelerate this decline. Experiences from countries like Sweden, Japan and New Zealand suggest that wider availability of these products is linked to faster reductions in smoking. Achieving long-term public health goals may therefore depend on a more balanced, risk-proportionate approach that supports switching alongside prevention.
