What is tobacco harm reduction?

Tobacco harm reduction (THR) is a public health strategy that seeks to reduce the harm caused by combustible tobacco by encouraging people who smoke to switch to safer alternatives when they cannot or do not wish to stop using nicotine [^1]. THR recognises that while nicotine may cause dependence, it is not the primary cause of tobacco-related disease - the harm arises mainly from the toxins released during the combustion of tobacco.

Core principles of THR include autonomy (empowering individuals with safer choices), proportionality (aligning regulation with risk), and equity (ensuring access to lower-risk products in all regions, including LMICs, and to all population groups).