Smoke-free alternatives better than traditional cigarettes

KUCHING: Smoke-free alternatives are in a good position to better address the public on the health impact of smoking.

Phillip Morris (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd’s Head of Corporate Communication Veronica Choo said this is because smoke-free alternatives do not burn tobacco or emit fewer and lower levels of harmful chemicals compared to the smoke produced when tobacco is burned.

“While not risk-free, when specifically substantiated and made to appropriate quality and safety standard, they are better alternatives to continued smoking for adult smokers who would otherwise continue to smoke.

“By eliminating burning and smoke, the levels of harmful chemicals generated can be significantly reduced compared with cigarettes,” she said.

She said this during the Discovery Journey Toward A Smoke-Free Future sharing session with media practitioners here, yesterday (Aug 5).

“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,” she added.

On another note, she stated that harm reduction techniques can reduce the negative impact of the choice of a person, other people, wider-society or the environment.

“Take electric cars, just as handy for a trip to the shops but less harmful to the environment than their petrol predecessors.

“Or energy saving lightbulbs, still providing light when it is needed but with less environmental impact than traditional bulbs.

“Similarly, scientifically validated smoke-free products make nicotine less risky than smoking cigarettes,” she stated.

She also said the more harm reducing products become integrated into the people’s everyday lives, the greater the benefit can be for individuals, society and the environment.

“Science-backed, smoke-free products can play a role in moving adults who would otherwise continue to smoke away with cigarettes.

“With the right regulatory encouragement and support from the community, together we can deliver a smoke-free future more quickly than relying on traditional alone,” she said.