The best choice any smoker can make is to quit tobacco and nicotine altogether, yet millions of people around the world continue to smoke. These adults deserve information about smoke-free alternatives and how they differ from cigarettes.

There is a variety of better, alternatives available for adults who would otherwise continue to smoke. Scientifically substantiated smoke-free products deliver nicotine, which is addictive and not risk-free, but without burning and smoke, which makes them very different from cigarettes and a better choice for adults who would otherwise continue to smoke.

Why is burning a problem?

When a cigarette is lit, it generates smoke. Cigarette smoke contains more than 6,000 chemicals, about 100 of which have been classified by public health authorities as harmful or potentially harmful. The main cause of smoking related diseases is the high levels of harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoke.

Smoke-free products do not burn tobacco and they do not produce smoke. By eliminating burning and smoke, the levels of harmful chemicals generated can be significantly reduced compared with cigarettes. Their potential to reduce the risk of harm compared to continued smoking should be scientifically substantiated on a product by product basis, and they should be manufactured under appropriate safety and quality controls.

Why is there nicotine in smoke-free products?

Most smoke-free products deliver nicotine, as it is one of the factors, alongside taste and ritual, that adult smokers look for in alternatives.

Nicotine, while addictive and not risk-free, is not the primary cause of smoking-related diseases – the high levels of harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoke are. While it’s one of the reasons people continue to smoke or use nicotine products, it’s been used successfully in cigarette replacement therapies for decades, as a means of helping adult smokers quit tobacco and nicotine altogether.

Certain people, such as those who don’t smoke or use nicotine products or those with certain health conditions, should not use products that contain nicotine. Minors should never use or have access to tobacco or nicotine-containing products.

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Your guide to smoke-free alternatives