The debate is raging globally around smoke-free alternatives, such as e-cigarettes, which are being presented by tobacco companies as safer options for smokers. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the safest approach is to use neither conventional nor e-cigarettes. “Over the last decade, we’ve spent more than USD 7 billion in research, product and commercial development, production capacity, scientific substantiation and studies on adult smoker understanding. Dr Gilchrist cites the Japan case, where a drop in cigarette sales can be linked to introduction of heated tobacco product that contains natural tobacco and nicotine and produces steam instead of smoke. As this debate rages, Africa is struggling with steadily rising cases of non-communicable diseases, some related to tobacco smoking.

Source: The Star March 13, 2020 14:03 UTC