On World Vape Day, British American Tobacco (BAT) calls for collaboration to accelerate progress towards Building a Smokeless World. Until recently, the only means to address the health impacts associated with smoking cigarettes was tobacco control measures to make smoking less appealing. Today, adult smokers, who would otherwise continue to smoke, can switch completely to reduced-risk profile alternatives.
A variety of smokeless products-vapes, heated products, and nicotine pouches-are available and produce a fraction of the toxicants present in cigarette smoke. Countries adopting these products, such as Japan, New Zealand, Sweden, the U.K., and the U.S., have seen a greater reduction in smoking prevalence.
Sweden, where long-term data is available, demonstrates that Tobacco Harm Reduction is effective. Over the last 30 years, many people in Sweden have switched from smoking to using snus-a traditional oral tobacco product. More recently, other smokeless products have been introduced, and these are more affordable than cigarettes because they are taxed based on lower risk profiles.
Monisha Abraham, Managing Director, BAT Bangladesh said: "Since smokeless products became widely available globally, the decline in cigarette volumes has accelerated, particularly in countries where these products are available. BAT advocates for progressive regulation that allows adult smokers to access alternative products with reduced risk profiles, enabling them to make informed decisions. We also believe, protecting consumers through high product standards, preventing underage access, and curbing illicit trade should continue to be a pivotal focus. In Bangladesh the current smoking prevalence rate stands at 32% according to World Bank. BAT Bangladesh believes the best way to bring down this smoking rate is through sensible regulations and by embracing progressive harm reduction policies as part of as the public health agenda."
Kingsley Wheaton, Chief Corporate Officer, BAT Group, added: "Progressive regulation that allows adult smokers, who would otherwise continue to smoke, to access smokeless products and completely switch can help reduce smoking rates and the associated health impacts. With measures to protect consumers with high product standards and to prevent underage access, as well as robust enforcement and sanctions for those who break the rules."
BATs believes that Tobacco Harm Reduction represents one of the most significant public health opportunities. If implemented with well-thought-out regulation, tobacco control and harm reduction measures canwork together to reduce the prevalence of smoking.
It is in everyone's interest to reduce the health impacts associated with smoking cigarettes. Addressing such a significant societal issue can only be achieved through open dialogue, sharing scientific research, and collaboration.
BAT recently launched Omni™, a platform to share ideas and evidence to drive the dialogue on Tobacco Harm Reduction. Review the evidence and join the conversation: www.asmokelessworld.com
Source: BAT
