Potentially Reduced Risk Alternatives(PRRA) are tobacco products designed to minimise the health risks associated with tobacco consumption. Vapes, which fall under the RRP category, have gained widespread popularity in recent years as a potentially less harmful alternative to smoking.
Vapes are devices that heat a liquid to produce an aerosol that is inhaled. The e-liquid usually contains nicotine, flavourings, and other chemicals. Unlike combustible cigarettes, vapes do not involve the process of combustion, which is the main cause of tobacco-related harm.
Several studies have shown that vapes are less harmful than combustible products like hookah, bidi, pipe etc. A comprehensive report by the UK’s Royal College of Physicians concluded that vapes are at least 95% less harmful than smoking cigarettes. Another study published in the Journal of Aerosol Science found that the chemicals produced by vaping were significantly less harmful than those produced by smoking.
One of the main features of vapes is their potential to help smokers who are unwilling to quit smoking switch to less harmful options. A systematic review of 50 studies conducted by McRobbie found that vapes were more effective than nicotine replacement therapy in helping smokers decide to switch to potentially less harmful alternatives. Another study published in the New England Journal of Medicine also validated that vapes were extremely effective.
Furthermore, vapes have been shown to have a lower risk profile than traditional tobacco products. A study by Burstyn found that the levels of harmful chemicals in e-cigarette aerosol were significantly lower than in cigarette smoke. Another study by Farsalinos found that the use of vapes did not increase the risk of harm generally associated with the consumption of combustible tobacco products.
Tobacco Heated Products heat tobacco to produce an aerosol that is inhaled, but without burning the tobacco. A study by Caputi found that heated tobacco products effectively reduced tobacco cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
To sum up, potentially reduced-risk alternatives offer a promising alternative to smoking with potentially lower risks and scientifically substantiated evidence to prove it.
