Compiled by leading experts in the field and the Tobacco Advisory Group, this report promotes the use of harm reduction strategies to protect smokers. The report demonstrates that people smoke for the nicotine, which by itself is not very harmful. The study suggests that if nicotine could be provided in a form that is acceptable and effective as a cigarette substitute, there is potential for millions of lives to be saved.
According to the report, harm reduction is a fundamental component of many aspects of medicine and everyday life; however, for some reason, effective harm reduction principles have not been applied to tobacco smoking. The report calls for radical reform of the way nicotine products are regulated and used in society. The subjects addressed in the report include:
use of tobacco in society
nicotine and nicotine receptors, and their role in smoking
the neurobiological mechanisms underlying nicotine dependence
mechanisms of tobacco addiction in humans
sources of nicotine for human use
the risk profile for smoked tobacco
the risk profile for smokeless tobacco
current nicotine product regulation
current nicotine product use and socioeconomic deprivation
ethics, human rights, and harm reduction for tobacco users
reducing the harm from nicotine use: implications for health policy and nicotine product regulation
key conclusions and recommendations
The Royal College of Physicians suggests that the report be read by health professionals in all areas, especially medicine and public health, by politicians, by civil servants, and by tobacco control advocates.
For further information:
Publication information
Royal College of Physicians website
More information on smoking
EPHA related articles:
EPHA section on Tobacco and Smoking
Report: Going Smoke-free: The Medical Case for Clean Air in the home, at work and in public places
*UPDATED* EU launches new anti-smoking campaign
*UPDATED* European smoking bans - Evolution of the legislation
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