Information being given to smokers about smoke-free products is often biased and incomplete. Adult smokers should know about the whole range of alternatives to make the best choice for themselves.
Information being given to smokers about smoke-free products is often biased and incomplete. Adult smokers should know about the whole range of alternatives to make the best choice for themselves.
There are more alternatives to smoking than just vaping, such as heated tobacco and oral smokeless products. Combined with regulatory support, these products could finally help millions of smokers move away from cigarettes for good, and help the UK go smoke-free, faster.
Smokers have choices: why accurate information matters
Nearly 6.5 million adults in the UK still smoke.*
The best thing you can do as a smoker is quit tobacco and nicotine altogether.
But if you’re not ready, there are better, smoke-free alternatives you can switch to.
Many smokers could be put off from switching due to lack of clear information – and often misinformation. For example, half of smokers incorrectly believe vaping is just as harmful as smoking.**
In a recent survey, 62% of smokers said they’d be more likely to switch if they understood the science behind smoke-free products and how they differ from cigarettes.***
Just like with any major life decisions, having both a variety of choices as well as accurate information about your options is crucial to ensuring you can tailor your decision and select the route that suits you best.
The crucial differences between cigarettes and smoke-free products
The crucial differences between cigarettes and smoke-free products
Burning tobacco is the main cause of harm from cigarettes. Burning creates smoke, which contains thousands of harmful and potentially harmful chemicals.
Smoke-free products don’t burn tobacco or generate smoke, so they can release fewer and lower levels of harmful chemicals.
Here are the differences:
Did you know?
Nicotine doesn’t cause smoking-related diseases, but it is addictive and carries some risks. It’s one of the key reasons why people smoke, along with taste and ritual.
“I smoked for a very long time, but I don’t smoke tobacco anymore. I switched to a smoke-free alternative because I was searching for a way to stop smoking cigarettes. I’m happy with this decision.”
Asli, 35
*Smoke-free products are not risk-free and contain nicotine which is addictive. Contributor was paid for their participation, but all views expressed are their own.
*Adult Smoking Habits in the UK: 2022 ONS
**Use-of-vapes-among-dults-in-Great-Britain-2024.pdf (ash.org.uk)
***Povaddo conducted this online survey on behalf of PMI between Feb. 5and 23, 2022. In the United Kingdom, a total of 2,001 interviews were conducted.
