One such strategy is the adoption of the tobacco harm reduction (THR) strategy to encourage smokers to switch to less harmful products with the end goal of quitting altogether. The first step to reap the benefits of the THR approach is the acknowledgement of harm-reduced products such as vape products and their role in helping smokers to quit smoking by switching over. (6)The next step is to introduce appropriate and sensible regulations that are differentiated from tobacco products to enable smokers to have access to harm-reduced products to aid their journey to quit smoking. In New Zealand for example, where vape regulations have been introduced, focus is put on ensuring regulations reduce harm, are risk-proportionate, and workable for the people they affect. This can only be done through a multifaceted approach that addresses regulation on product standards that incentivises people to move away from more harmful products.

Source: The Star September 28, 2021 20:37 UTC