Why Isn’t Tobacco Harm Reduction Prioritized for Unhoused People?

People experiencing homelessness are significantly more likely to smoke cigarettes and face greater health risks associated with smoking, according to evidence from the Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction (GSTHR). Rates of smoking among this population range from 76-85% in the UK to 80% in the US. The poor conditions faced by homeless individuals, such as exposure to pollution and cold weather, exacerbate these harms. Tobacco harm reduction, including access to vaping products and accurate information, is urgently needed to address this issue and save lives.