Safer alternatives to smoking can save nearly 700,000 lives in Chile, Ireland and Taiwan

STOCKHOLM, 10 December 2024 – Almost 700,000 lives would be saved in Ireland, Taiwan and Chile if those countries embraced safer alternatives to smoking, a ground-breaking new report reveals.

The landmark analysis released today by leading international health experts underscores the benefits of tobacco harm reduction (THR) strategies in vastly different cultures and health landscapes.

Dr. Delon Human, a co-author of the report Saving 692,000 Lives in Ireland, Taiwan and Chile, said: “The evidence is clear that safer alternatives to smoking, including e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products and nicotine pouches, can significantly reduce smoking-related diseases such as lung cancer, heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 

“What makes this report especially powerful is that it demonstrates how THR works in different regions with different social and political contexts. From Ireland’s EU regulations to Taiwan’s unique status and Chile’s health challenges, the case for safer alternatives is universal.”

The report outlines several key actions to accelerate the adoption of THR products, including:  

• Encouraging healthcare professionals to communicate the benefits of THR products to patients and counter misinformation about nicotine.  
• Advocating for risk-proportionate regulation to ensure that safer alternatives are affordable, accessible and acceptable for consumers.  
• Promoting consumer representation through independent, science-based advocacy groups.  
• Increasing government investment in local research to ensure policies are informed by relevant, region-specific science.  

Dr. Human added: “There is a growing body of real-world evidence proving the health benefits of switching from smoking to less harmful nicotine alternatives.

“Countries as disparate as Sweden, New Zealand, the UK and Japan are dramatically reducing their smoking rates through the use of safer smoke-free products. They are reaping the public health benefits and providing the model for other nations to follow.

“Our report shows that Ireland, Chile and Taiwan have an unprecedented opportunity to improve public health outcomes on a massive scale and save 692,000 lives by 2060.

“By adopting safer alternatives to smoking, these countries – and other nations worldwide – can protect their citizens and reduce the human and economic toll of tobacco-related diseases.”