Demystifying Nicotine: Unethical to Deprive People of Less Harmful Alternatives

Smoking cigarettes is the most harmful form of consuming nicotine and it is the duty of government, industry and society to ensure that smokers have access to less harmful nicotine products. “It is unethical for us to deprive people of alternatives that are less harmful to their health and tobacco is no exception,” Dr. Letlape said.

South Africa’s approach to regulating less harmful nicotine products should include a review of the scientific evidence and best practices from other countries that are making rapid progress in reducing smoking rates and improving the health profile of their societies by incorporating harm reduction into their tobacco control strategies.

Guest: Prof. Solly Rataemane - Head of Department of Psychiatry | Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University