Tobacco Harm Reduction Saves Smokers’ Lives
April 25, 2024 by realclearhealth.com
Tobacco Harm Reduction Saves Smokers’ Lives
FDA Commissioner Califf spoke at a hearing, incorrectly labeling tobacco harm reduction as an industry term. Dr. Rodu challenges this, advocating for harm reduction to save the 480,000 American lives lost yearly due to cigarettes. He argues for safer nicotine alternatives, stressing the need for realistic public health policies over prohibition. Rodu emphasizes the parallels between nicotine and caffeine, calling for a shift towards evidence-based strategies to combat smoking-related illnesses. The narrative around nicotine's risks is critiqued, highlighting the potential benefits of harm reduction. Ultimately, the focus should be on saving lives by providing adult smokers with choices to quit and lead healthier lives.
18.30% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 48.7 million current smokers in United States 21.60% of men are current smokers but only 15.20% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR