Myth: The main threat from smoking is nicotine

There are currently about 1 billion people in the world who smoke traditional cigarettes, and there are also 42 million users of vapes and smokeless tobacco.

According to experts, the main danger for smokers is the 6,000 harmful substances in cigarette smoke, of which 69 can cause cancer. Nicotine, although addictive and has its own harmful properties, is not a great invention.

Smoke-free products contain 95% fewer harmful substances than regular cigarettes and help people avoid smoking. Scientific studies have shown that 17% of subjects were able to completely get rid of nicotinic acid, and another 17% switched to smoke-free products, which is higher than when using nicotine patches and chewing gum.

The number of traditional Japanese cigarette smokers has fallen by 43% by 2021, thanks to various legal measures regulating e-cigarettes and regular cigarettes, as well as awareness campaigns aimed at countering the advantage of smokeless products over regular cigarettes.

Myth: Alternative nicotine delivery methods are less harmful than cigarettes

If a person is addicted to nicotine, quitting smoking can be very difficult. Many people try to replace cigarettes with alternative products, but this is not always safer.

• Tobacco Warmers: This is a device in which the displays are paper sticks saturated with tobacco impregnated with glycerin. The aerosol contained in the heaters is less irritating to the lungs than smoke, allowing people to take more puffs per stick than per cigarette. However, there is limited research on their effects, so heaters should be treated with caution, just like regular, albeit safe, cigarettes.
• Vaping: Vaping vaporizes liquid containing propylene glycol, glycerin, flavorings and thickeners. Your respiratory system may improve when you completely switch to vaping, but the nicotine from vaping is also addictive, negatively impacts brain health, and increases stress on the heart. Switching from cigarettes to vapes can be useful for those who are not ready to completely quit smoking.
• Hookahs: Studies have proven that hookah smoke contains much more harmful substances than tobacco smoke, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and light cancer.
• Herbal cigarettes: Although they may seem safe, they also cause burns and can be harmful to your health, especially if used instead of a regular cigarette.
• Nicotine patches and gum: These products are discreet and effective smoking medications and provide nicotine without inhaling smoke or aerosol.

It is important to remember that any alternative method of nicotine delivery is not entirely risky, and the decision to choose such a method should be made after consultation with a specialist.