FEATURE
THE CONTINUUM
OF RISK
Where does vaping fit in nicotine ’ s scale of harm ?
Words : Gordon Stribling
The concept of harm reduction is well established in science
and public health . It is built on the understanding that people will seek pleasure and engage in risky behaviour to experience it . Condoms lower the risk of infection and unwanted pregnancy while methadone allows opiate addicts to consume a drug that alleviates heroin withdrawal symptoms without having to use needles or engage with the black market . However , tobacco harm reduction remains something of a taboo concept , thanks , in no small part , to the World Health Organization ’ s ( WHO ) refusal to engage with the ‘ tobacco industry .’ This includes small , independent vape businesses that do not promote tobacco in any form . In a guidance article issued in February 2020 , the organisation wrote : “ Nicotine is highly addictive and found in most e-cigarettes . Both tobacco products and e-cigarettes pose risks to health and the safest approach is not to consume either .” However , nicotine sources exist on what the 2018 Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction report calls the ‘ Continuum of Risk ’. By considering the risks and potential benefits of different nicotine sources , consumers can make an informed decision about which could be the best one for them .
CIGARETTES
Cigarettes are by far the most harmful widely-available nicotine source , accounting for 78,000 UK deaths each year , according to NHS statistics . Cigarette-smoking causes cancer , heart disease , chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD ), lung disease and diabetes . Cigarette smoke also presents a significant risk to others , particularly children . People who regularly breathe in others ’ smoke are much more likely than non-smokers to develop the above health conditions . In the US , smoking accounts for more deaths every year than HIV , illegal drugs , alcohol , vehicle injuries and firearms combined , according to the CDC .
NICOTINE REPLACEMENT THERAPY ( NRT )
NRT is considered the least harmful way to consume nicotine . Nicotine patches , gums and sprays are a pharmaceutical treatment to help people quit smoking , rather than a lifestyle choice like e-cigarettes are for many people . Different NRT products work in different ways . Patches slowly release some nicotine into the bloodstream , with some worn all the
116 VM32