SMOKE WITHOUT FIRE

Apparently, humanity has initiated a systematic and reflective examination of the influence of routine processes and technologies on individual health and the global environment. A reassessment of risks is occurring across a range of areas. In light of the considerable innovations and technological advancements that have been made, there is a growing need for effective tools to mitigate their negative effects on society. This discussion encompasses not only large-scale measures such as the reduction of harmful emissions into the atmosphere, but also the environmental impact of smoking, which has long been recognized as a serious global issue.

The 9th annual conference, entitled Technovation 2024—Thirty Years of Innovation, Ten Years of Progress, was organised by Philip Morris International (PMI) in Neuchâtel, Switzerland. The conference's objective was to examine technological advancements that could be utilized to achieve the greatest reduction in harm.

Department of Health warns...

Cigarette smoke is a substantial contributor to air pollution, with particulate matter emissions that are approximately ten times greater than those of diesel vehicle exhaust. Second-hand smoke has been linked to adverse health outcomes, including respiratory problems and cancer.

Despite the issuance of warnings by health authorities around the globe, along with the investment of time, resources, and effort into the dissemination of information and public awareness, and the presentation of alarming data regarding the prevalence of serious illnesses caused by smoking, the practice persists as a significant public health concern. Statistical data indicates that approximately one in eight individuals globally engages in tobacco consumption, resulting in a total of 1.1 billion individuals affected by this addictive behaviour.

In Azerbaijan, the prevalence of smoking has remained at 32% of the population over the past four years, according to recent data. This is a cause for concern. In accordance with the standards set forth by the World Health Organization (WHO), a nation is deemed to be free of tobacco use if the proportion of smokers does not exceed 5% of the population. Concurrently, over the past seven years, our country has enacted a series of legislative measures that have significantly restricted smoking in public spaces and introduced other deterrent strategies.

In addition to implementing bans, experts propose that transitioning to smokeless alternatives could be an effective strategy for reducing negative statistics. The scientific literature indicates that the inhalation of smoke produced during the combustion of tobacco is the primary cause of adverse health effects among smokers. In this context, scientists have initiated the development of products that emulate the smoking experience without the combustion of tobacco or the production of smoke containing nicotine.

It is not possible to consider smokeless products as completely safe. Consequently, manufacturers strongly advise that "Those who do not smoke are advised to refrain from doing so; those who smoke are encouraged to quit; and those who are unwilling or unable to quit are urged to switch to less harmful alternatives." This guidance could be regarded as a sort of slogan for PMI.

In his address, CEO Jacek Olczak highlighted the significant boost in profitability from sales of new, progressive models of smokeless tobacco products. "This year marks a decade since the intensified efforts to transition from traditional smoking methods to alternative options were initiated." In the preceding year, the proportion of PMI revenue derived from smokeless tobacco products reached a significant milestone, accounting for 38 percent of total revenue. The company leader stated that the organization anticipates reaching a 40 percent market share by 2030.

Recognition and Impact

Interestingly, despite the fact that 92 countries worldwide have granted these products market access, a number of governments continue to categorise them as prohibited items. "It is noteworthy that these countries permit the sale of traditional cigarettes, with increasing revenue year after year, yet they disregard smokeless products," observed J. Olczak.

For example, in Sweden, where there has been a notable shift towards the use of smokeless alternatives, the current smoking rate is only 5.6 percent of the population, which is considered to be nearly ideal according to the World Health Organization's criteria. Consequently, there has been a notable decrease in the incidence of cancer in this country in recent years.

Japan provides another illustrative example of the positive statistical trends presented at the conference. Following the introduction of smokeless alternatives, the proportion of smokers in Japan decreased from approximately 19 percent to 13 percent, resulting in a nearly 50 percent decline in traditional cigarette sales. As Stefano Volpetti, president of smokeless products and director of consumer affairs at Philip Morris International, has observed, Japan is now among the countries most likely to voluntarily phase out cigarettes altogether.

It is important to note that it remains challenging to assess the real impact of smokeless alternatives on the overall decline in smoking prevalence or their environmental effects, due to the lack of available data. In the majority of countries where these products are available on the market, including Azerbaijan, no separate statistical data is available for them. Consequently, the extant statistics aggregate both traditional smokers and users of alternative tobacco products, despite the recommendations of researchers who advocate for their classification into discrete groups. Such a distinction would allow for a more nuanced approach to education regarding the harms associated with smoking, with a focus on innovative solutions informed by a more comprehensive understanding. "Based on data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and our own research, we estimate that the use of smokeless tobacco products could reduce the harms associated with this addiction by up to 80 percent, ultimately leading to a tenfold reduction in related deaths," states J. Olczak. He posits that with an appropriate regulatory framework, dialogue, and civil society support, traditional cigarette sales could be reduced to a minimum within 10-15 years across many countries worldwide.

S. Volpetti likened the shift towards smokeless alternatives to the transition from internal combustion engine vehicles to electric cars. This comparison is particularly apt given that tobacco smoke is a significant contributor to global air pollution, which has an indirect impact on the health of every individual worldwide. It is imperative that continued investment in technological solutions be made in order to genuinely reduce the harm caused by these products and to ensure a healthier future for all humanity.