November 2024 Newsletter

The November 2024 issue focuses on Sweden becoming the first country in the world to be officially declared smoke free. The lead story explains that only 4.5 percent of Swedish-born adults now smoke, which is below the widely recognized smoke-free level of five percent. Sweden achieved this many years ahead of the European Union target.

The newsletter explains that Sweden’s success is linked to a practical harm reduction approach. Instead of relying only on prohibition, Sweden made safer nicotine alternatives such as snus, nicotine pouches, and vapes more acceptable, accessible, and affordable than cigarettes. The story says this approach helped people move away from smoking while protecting public health.

The issue also covers research suggesting that vaping is safer than smoking for respiratory health when smokers switch completely from cigarettes to vaping. It explains that dual use or partial switching may not provide the same benefits, and that vaping should be understood in the context of helping adult smokers move away from combustible tobacco.

Another article discusses criticism of the U.S. Surgeon General’s report on smoking cessation. It says the report highlights important actions such as menthol cigarette bans and lower nicotine levels in cigarettes, but does not give enough attention to the different levels of risk among tobacco and nicotine products.

The newsletter also reports that more people around the world are choosing safer nicotine options. It says sales of safer alternatives have grown strongly since 2015. It also includes ARI’s call for a comprehensive national strategy to end combustible smoking in Pakistan, using reduced-risk products, effective cessation services, and strong regulation.

The final article looks at smoking bans across the world, including the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Mexico, Australia, Canada, Ireland, South America, and Europe. It explains how many countries are expanding smoke-free policies to reduce tobacco-related harm.

• The main story says Sweden has become the first country officially declared smoke free.
• Only 4.5 percent of Swedish-born adults now smoke.
• Sweden’s success is linked to harm reduction and access to safer nicotine alternatives.
• Safer products such as snus, nicotine pouches, and vapes helped many people move away from cigarettes.
• Research suggests that switching completely from smoking to vaping may improve respiratory symptoms.
• The U.S. Surgeon General’s report is criticized for not giving enough attention to the risk differences among nicotine products.
• Global sales of safer nicotine alternatives have increased strongly since 2015.
• ARI calls for a comprehensive strategy to end combustible smoking in Pakistan.
• Many countries are expanding smoke-free laws and public smoking bans.

The main story explains that Sweden has become the first country in the world to be officially declared smoke free. New government figures show that only 4.5 percent of Swedish-born adults now smoke. The story says Sweden achieved this by using a practical harm reduction approach, making safer nicotine alternatives more acceptable, accessible, and affordable than cigarettes.