Embracing less harmful alternatives
More than 8 million people around the world die every year from smoking, accounting for one in ten deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). With an estimated 163,600 deaths attributed to smoking each year, Pakistan faces a significant burden of smoking-related diseases.
While quitting smoking remains the ultimate goal for all smokers, regulating less harmful alternatives can be a stepping stone towards harm reduction and improved health outcomes for persistent smokers in Pakistan.
Dr. Abdel Rahman Mahmoud Zahran, Professor of Kidney Surgery, Urology and Andrology at the Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University inEgypt, shared, “It’s important for everyone to be aware of the hazards associated with smoking. While most smokers desire to quit, it’s not as easy as some may think, often requiring assistance and the application of scientific research. Ultimately, the best option for individuals is to never start smoking, and for current smokers, quitting remains the optimal choice. However, for those who are unwilling or unable to quit, transitioning to alternative products that may pose lesser harm becomes a crucial first step towards ultimately quitting.
Recent scientific studies have unveiled a promising avenue to reduce the risks of smoking. This involves adopting alternatives based on new technology, specifically heating tobacco at temperatures below 350 degrees rather than burning it. While these products are not without risks, they can serve as a better alternative to traditional cigarettes, providing smokers with a similar experience while potentially reducing harm.”
Among these alternatives, nicotine pouches have emerged as an alternate to smoking that provides users with a tobacco-free experience. These small pouches contain nicotine and are placed discreetly between the gum and lip. By slowly releasing nicotine, they offer a satisfying sensation without the need for combustion or inhalation. They are odorless, and do not stain teeth or leave a lingering smell. Similarly, snus is a moist powder tobacco product placed under the upper lip. It offers a discreet and smoke-free alternative to smoking, while still delivering nicotine to the user.
Heated tobacco products, also known as heat-not-burn products, heat tobacco rather than burning it, resulting in the release of a flavorful vapor that contains nicotine. By avoiding combustion, heated tobacco products significantly reduce the levels of harmful chemicals present in the smoke.E-cigarettes have gained worldwide popularity as a viable alternative to traditional cigarettes. These electronic devices work by heating a liquid that usually contains nicotine, releasing an inhalable vapor. Unlike conventional cigarettes, e-cigarettes do not involve combustion, reducing the amount of harmful chemicals in the aerosol significantly. Dr. Abdel Rahman Mahmoud Zahran further stated, “We as doctors, have a human, professional and moral duty to preserve human health, both physically and psychologically, preventively and therapeutically, and to provide advice supported by evidence and scientific evidence. We know how difficult it is to give up the habit of smoking, the company of a cigarette, and the “mood soaring through clouds of smoke,” but our duty also dictates that we help in the search for alternatives to mitigate harm, reduce risks to human health, and ensure a healthy and long-term life.”
These products provide a similar ritualistic experience to smoking, making them a potential bridge for individuals who may want to continue smoking. With reduced exposure to harmful toxins, these scientifically substantiated products make promising alternatives to traditional cigarettes for those seeking a less harmful option.
