Tobacco.org

Dissent over harm reduction for tobacco ($$) 

The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health was held in Washington DC, July 12ˆ14, and was attended by over 4000 people. This impressive number of advocates, scientists, and clinicians did not, however, establish consensus on some key policy issues.

A well-attended session on harm reduction showed a lack of consensus. . . .

Reducing toxins in tobacco and overall tobacco use through restrictions on smoking and cost increases seem to be prudent steps towards harm reduction. Promoting certain types of tobacco use in place of others is fraught with dissent, as well as the real danger of reducing cessation and undermining prevention. It is plausible that a regulatory approach that embodies harm reduction could reduce disease risk in continuing tobacco users, while also contributing to cessation and prevention eff orts. In the meantime, the dissent seen at the World Conference is likely to continue.

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