Harm reduction and ‘new’ tobacco and nicotine products – The industry’s misleading narrative

Transforming itself to reduce risks and create a ‘smoke-free world’. With its ‘new products’ (e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches and heated tobacco), the tobacco industry would have us believe that it is going to stop selling cigarettes and has thus become a responsible player. It claims to be committed to public health and to being part of the solution to tobacco-related problems.

But behind this narrative lies a simple economic calculation. Driven by the maximisation of its profits, the tobacco industry is in fact fighting to keep people smoking: it systematically opposes effective prevention measures, continues to target young people and has no qualms about manipulating science and public opinion. As for its “new products”, they are by no means a health solution: they are designed primarily to attract new consumers and increase profits.

“Harm reduction” is the latest chapter in a long history of deception and concealment by this deadly industry.

What can you do?

If you work in the field of prevention:

You are on the front line: every conversation is an opportunity to challenge the tobacco industry’s strategies.

Spread the word: share and pass on our content via your professional networks.
Support effective structural measures to protect young people, who are particularly targeted by the industry: plain packaging, advertising bans and tax increases.
Incorporate the issue of the industry’s influence strategies into your work, particularly in the context of smoking cessation, in schools, or when engaging with local or national policymakers. Highlight the need to keep the tobacco and nicotine industry out of public policy, in accordance with Article 5.3 of the FCTC.
Take part in discussions on harm reduction in the tobacco sector to ensure that the industry’s proposals are not left unchallenged. Ensure that consumers have access to reliable, independent and science-based information regarding cessation aids and reduced-risk products.
Contact us to request materials, organise a presentation or develop joint initiatives.
Stay informed: follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter.

If you are an elected representative

Take action today for the health of the population

Find out more: read our report on the industry’s rhetorical strategies.
Stay vigilant against the lobbying and influence strategies of the tobacco and nicotine industry: follow our analyses via our social media channels and newsletters, as well as those of AT Switzerland.
Support ambitious structural measures to prevent young people from becoming addicted to nicotine and to reduce smoking.
Ensure access to reliable and independent information on smoking cessation aids and reduced-risk products.
Exercise discernment in the face of lobbying and defend the public interest with complete transparency. Keep the tobacco and nicotine industry out of public health policy, in accordance with Article 5.3 of the FCTC.

If you are a citizen

Don’t let the industry manipulate you: get informed and get involved!

Spread the word, especially among young people, and explain how the industry targets minors and young adults.
Raise awareness among those around you: share our content with your family, friends and colleagues.
Stay informed by following our news and publications[1] .
Contact your elected representatives and call for stronger measures to protect young people from nicotine addiction.
Support civil society organisations working on prevention and share reliable information about the tobacco and nicotine industry’s lobbying strategies.

[1] You can follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/transparencytruth/) or LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/transparency-and-truth/) or subscribe to our newsletter on our website https://transparencyandtruth.ch/en/.