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What is Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR)?

#THRfacts campaign aims to educate the community about a science-based way to reduce smoking
and raise awareness of the rising concerns over underground and unregulated tobacco and vapes.

Today, many people remain in the dark on the difference between vaping and smoking. The debates between vaping and smoking have gained significant attention in recent years as smokers explore alternatives to traditional cigarettes. Most smokers are aware of the harmful effects of cigarette smoking.  Some experts consider vaping less harmful than smoking.  Regulations for vapes and electronic cigarettes are complex and vary across states. Some states have no regulations, while others ban vapes completely. These restrictions are part of an ongoing effort to curb the rise in vaping among adolescents and teens, whose use has skyrocketed in recent years.

 

Given the ongoing debates and regulatory challenges, #THRfacts from the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice seeks to clarify the differences between vaping and smoking to address the misconceptions, as well as to shine light on the rising illegal, underground, unregulated vape and tobacco products flooding our neighborhoods today.

 

Tobacco Harm Reduction leverages innovative reduced-risk products to encourage smokers to quit smoking by offering an acceptable, lower-risk alternative to smoking cigarettes. In July 2024, former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy said, “because you’re not combusting tobacco … in the way you are with traditional cigarettes, … the risk of e-cigarettes, by and large, would be lower than what you would see with combustible cigarettes.” “…if you had a patient who was able to completely substitute their use of combustible cigarettes with e-cigarettes, in certain circumstances, that could be safer.”

 

Eliminate Combustion

⬇️

Reduce Risk

 

Recently, the African American Mayors’ Association (AAMA) adopted a Resolution in Support of Tobacco Harm Reduction within individual municipalities. It states, “AAMA members do hereby recognize and support the integration of Tobacco Harm Reduction as a public health strategy and urge local agencies, public health officials, and community partners to…”

  • Promote access to and education about safer nicotine alternatives;
  • Ensure that THR approaches are inclusive, science-based, and equity-driven;
  • Collaborate with community organizations to develop culturally competent messaging around THR;
  • Support further research and open dialogue on the role of harm reduction in tobacco control.

 

Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) – Youth & Vaping

 

  • Youth vaping has declined 70% since it peaked in 2019.
  • Youth vaping is driven by curiosity and peer pressure.
  • Flavors do not prompt or encourage vaping.
  • Youth are more likely to drink alcohol and smoke marijuana than vape.
  • Daily vaping by youth is rare and is lowest among Black and Hispanic youth.

 

Current US Vape Marketing is Mostly Illicit

 

The current U.S.  vape market is more than 60% illicit, with vape products flooding into the U.S. primarily from China.

 

 

Problems: 

  • Lack of clarity from the FDA regarding what products can be sold or are subject to FDA enforcement discretion (e.g., can be sold while the product is under review)
  • Vaping bans and prohibitions reduced vaping but increased smoking.
  • FDA’s failure to enforce against illicit vapor products flooding into the US, primarily from China.

 

Solutions:

  • Directories are lists published by the state that identify tobacco products that may be legally sold within the state.
  • Law typically requires manufacturers to submit detailed product information and comply with FDA application requirements.
  • Vapestore directories (or vape product registry) track and regulate legal vaping products, effectively decreasing the number of illegal products on the market.

 

Cessation & The Black Community

 

Black people smoke at a similar rate compared to white people, with 16.7 percent smoking every day or some days, but Black people are more likely to die from a tobacco-related disease than white people.

 

American Indians and Alaska Natives smoke at higher rates than all other racial and ethnic groups, with 21.9 percent reporting that they have smoked every day or some days.

 

Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) – Summing it Up

 

  • S. adult smoking prevalence continues to decline.
  • Less progress among adults 65 years or older and adults aged 40 to 64 years, especially with lower income and educational levels.
  • E-cigarettes could play an important role as a smoking cessation aid for people of color who stand to benefit the most.
  • Healthcare professionals and consumers need more education about the pros and cons of vaping to reduce smoking.
  • Vapestore directories (or vape product registry) track and regulate legal vaping products, effectively decreasing the number of illegal products on the market.

 

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLACKS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE (NABCJ)