Tag: science

  • Smoore Demonstrates its Commitment at GTNF

    Smoore Demonstrates its Commitment at GTNF

    Eve Wang (middle) receiving the Golden Leaf Award for Innovation for VAPORESSO COSS (Photos: Smoore)

    A Golden Leaf Award and keynote presentation highlight the company’s investments in cutting-edge vaping technology.  

    At the recent Global Tobacco & Nicotine Forum in Seoul, Smoore earned a Golden Leaf Award and proposed a framework to help the industry “innovate through challenges.”

    The atomization company was recognized for its Vaporesso COSS, which stands for “Convenient Operating and Smart Supplying,” according to Smoore.

    “One of the major pain points for vapers is the trade-off between e-liquid or battery endurance and convenience,” explained Smoore Vice President Eve Wang upon receiving the award. “Typically, the longer it lasts, the less convenient it becomes. That is why COSS was introduced. It keeps you powered up and well-supplied with its smart supplying system. Additionally, thanks to its coil-e-liquid separation design, it’s also leak-resistant, ensuring a fresh puff every time.”

    In thanking the GLA judges, Wang promised Smoore would keep pushing forward and innovating.

    The company’s commitment to innovation was also demonstrated in Wang’s keynote speech at GTNF.

    She started by giving an overview of development of vapor products over the past 20 years and summarizing the biggest current challenges—preventing underage vaping and minimizing the environmental impact of vaping products.

    According to Wang, vaping efficiency is a combination of atomization efficiency and power efficiency. “For atomization efficiency, there are several key factors to be considered, such as e-liquid supply, the physical and chemical process atomization, as well as the technology for aerosol generation and distribution,” she explained.

    “We have seen some promising results in these areas,” she said. “If we translate it into consumer benefits, atomization efficiency is fully utilizing e-liquid for good taste, more puffs and improvement in cost effectiveness. Power efficiency translates into increased energy density; therefore we are able to reduce the battery size as small as possible. It means less impact to the environment and a longer life cycle.”

    Wang then shared the contributions to vaping efficiency made by Smoore’s Feelm Max, Feelm Air and Power Alpha products.

    She concluded her speech by encouraging stakeholders to keep innovating and evolving the technology to improve harm reduction, cost-effectiveness and sustainability, along with providing a better user experience. Wang urged her audience to harness collaborations in innovation and social responsibility to achieve a balanced solution between regulation and user experience. Following her speech, Wang moderated a panel titled “Innovating Products for the Future.”

    Eve Wang (left) as moderator

    Later that day, Smoore Senior Strategy Director Rex Zhang joined a group of panelists to provide an update on research and innovation relating to next-generation products.

    Zhang detailed Smoore’s advancements in sustainability and vaping efficiency. The company, he said, had reduced the amount of lithium materials in its vaporizers and increased the lifespan of its products, thus reducing the environmental impact of disposables.

    Demonstrating Smoore’s commitment to preventing underage vaping, Zhang highlighted the Feelm Max’s smart child lock. Once an adult user puts down the vape and doesn’t use it for a while, the atomizer will automatically lock, he explained. If a child subsequently attempts to use it, the device will not produce vapor. To reactivate the device, an adult user must suck on the mouthpiece three times within two seconds.

    Zhang also spoke about the importance of regulatory compliance and the user experience. He expressed confidence that science would demonstrate the potential of electronic nicotine devices as tobacco harm reduction tools.

    Going forward, Smoore innovation efforts will focus heavily on vaping efficiency, Zhang explained. “It is our internal thinking—the engine driving us forward to achieve more,” he said. “Smoore’s mission ‘Atomization Makes Life Better,’ aligns very well with this objective to continue to work on the R&D; improving it for bettering people’s life.”

    Rex Zhang (third from right) as panelist
  • U.S. FDA Seeks New Industry TPSAC Nominations

    U.S. FDA Seeks New Industry TPSAC Nominations

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) is requesting nominations by Oct. 11, 2023, for a nonvoting representative of the interests of the tobacco manufacturing industry to serve on the Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee (TPSAC). Individuals may self-nominate or be nominated by any interested person or organization.

    In addition, the CTP is seeking any industry organizations interested in participating in the selection of this TPSAC nonvoting representative.

    Nomination materials for prospective TPSAC candidates and letters from industry organizations interested in participating in the selection process should be sent to the CTP by Oct. 11, 2023. Please see the Federal Register notice for further details on the nomination and selection procedures.

    TPSAC advises the CTP in its responsibilities related to the regulation of tobacco products. The committee reviews and evaluates safety, dependence and health issues concerning tobacco products and provides appropriate advice, information and recommendations to the FDA commissioner.

  • All Fired Up

    All Fired Up

    Innokin’s new ArcFire pod system strikes the perfect balance of performance, quality and convenience.

    By Mike Huml

    The Innokin ArcFire is the latest device from the long-standing vapor device manufacturer. As with all things Innokin, the ArcFire elevates the pod system archetype to new heights in terms of performance, consistency and quality. While it doesn’t bring anything new to the table, ArcFire presents a streamlined offering that keeps things simple while still delivering maximum performance.

    ArcFire is a basic pod system device with refillable, swappable pods and a lightweight yet durable construction. The body has aluminum wrapped around it with about a 7 mm gap on one edge.

    This gap provides a slightly recessed platform for airflow, a single button, LED indicators and a better view of the remaining e-liquid. The ArcFire features a USB-C charging port and a ring light on its tip, which illuminates when the device is firing or charging.

    Mike Huml
    Mike Huml

    The pod can contain up to 3 mL of e-liquid (with an EU Tobacco Product Directive-compliant 2 mL pod also available) and is refillable via a hole in the side that’s visible when removed from the rest of the device. A silicone plug is easily opened to reveal the filling port.

    Each pod consists of a 1.2 ohm mesh coil that cannot be replaced independently of the pod. The pod is held in place very securely with strong magnets, and given the semi-oval shape of the aluminum housing, it can only be inserted into the device in one direction due to the slight asymmetry.

    An internal 650 mAh battery offers long battery life without adding unnecessary bulk to the overall package. The ArcFire should last a full day of normal use for most vapers and will far outlast a single fill of the pod. However, the ArcFire does feature passthrough functionality and can be used while charging if necessary. The side panel of the Arcfire contains three small LED indicators that display remaining battery life.

    Three lights indicate a charge level of 65 percent or higher, two lights for a charge level of 15 percent to 65 percent and a single light for a charge level below 15 percent. The LEDs illuminate when a draw is taken or when the button on the side is pressed once. Three clicks of the same button will toggle the ArcFire’s power on or off. The button is not used to fire the device as the ArcFire is equipped with a draw-activated switch only.

    It’s a relatively standard feature set that keeps things simple, which is ideal when it comes to pod systems. The coil features a mesh heating element that produces vapor consisting of finer particles for easier nicotine absorption. Additionally, mesh heating elements are more effective with lower power, meaning more vapor is produced with less energy and heat.

    That means longer battery life, no dry hits and no spitback. It’s remarkably consistent regardless of the amount of remaining liquid, the viscosity of the liquid or the remaining battery voltage. The ArcFire outputs a consistent 3.4 volts at all times, but small variations in power have virtually no impact on the vaping experience.

    The airflow is a bit on the open side but is still perfectly comfortable for mouth-to-lung vaping. Lung hits are restrictive and uncomfortable but still technically possible. However, there are better devices on the market for vapers looking for a lung-hit experience. The ArcFire was clearly intended to be used as a mouth-to-lung device with nicotine salt e-liquid, and in that arena, it succeeds without question.

    The 650 mAh battery offers significantly more battery life than most other pod systems, as well as disposable devices, on the market today. What’s more impressive is that the battery can reach a 75 percent charge after being plugged in for only 30 minutes due to the incorporation of USB-C. Between a large battery that charges quickly and the option to either refill or swap pods, the ArcFire has very little downtime. It’s the perfect device for vapers on the go who want a no-hassle experience.

    It’s also great to see a refillable pod that doesn’t require coils to be swapped. Many devices offer disposable pods in which the coil can also be changed out, but all too often, this is a redundant feature that leads to messes and too much complexity for the pod-style platform. If the entire pod can be replaced, then the coil doesn’t need to be swappable as well.

    The ArcFire being refillable allows between 10 mL and 60 mL to pass through its pod before it needs to be replaced, depending on the liquid used. That means for a normal user, on average, the pod should probably be replaced once per week, which is more than reasonable given how easy it is to replace the pod. Simply slide it out and throw it away, then replace it with a new, filled pod. The coil will need a few minutes to prime after it is filled for the first time, but regardless, the entire process is simple and painless.

    ArcFire produces a nice, voluminous cloud of vapor with very little effort. Flavors come through clean and pure with absolutely no added flavor or strange aftertastes. Another advantage of being refillable is that each vaper has a much wider variety of flavors to choose from.

    While pre-filled pods or disposables have come a long way in terms of flavor choice, they still lock the user into an ecosystem. The ArcFire allows for the freedom to use any e-liquid from any manufacturer.

    That’s an attractive option, especially for vapers who use a lower nicotine strength or are looking to taper down in their nicotine consumption. Many pod systems and disposables only offer 50 mg, and some offer an additional lower strength in the neighborhood of 25 mg to 30 mg.

    With refillable pods such as the ArcFire, users can taper down to 12 mg, 6 mg or even 0 mg if they are looking to kick the habit. There are many other reasons vapers prefer lower nicotine levels, and the ArcFire offers much more choice in this regard compared to disposable devices or pre-filled pods.

    Innokin, as expected, continues to live up to its reputation in the ArcFire. The features are streamlined and simple, the build quality is rugged yet sleek, and the vape quality is unquestionably top notch. On top of that, the ArcFire offers many benefits for those looking to move up from disposables as purchasing e-liquid is often cheaper than buying an entirely new device when the e-liquid runs dry.

    This also opens up an entire world of new flavors to experience and new nicotine strengths to enjoy. Aside from the refillable nature of the device, the larger battery and fast charging speed add another layer of convenience over increasingly popular disposable devices.

    There is definitely a huge market for this type of device from both ends of the spectrum. Current users of disposables may be looking for something slightly more robust with more options and less expensive upkeep costs. More advanced vapers may be looking for something more portable without sacrificing quality.

    Either way, the ArcFire strikes a perfect balance of performance, quality and convenience that’s immediately appealing to all types of vapers. Not to mention, it has the Innokin name behind it, which should offer some peace of mind that the ArcFire will remain reliable and well supported for years to come.

  • Setting Goals

    Setting Goals

    For 15 years, Haka Korea has been making innovative strides in the fast-growing global vaping market.

    By Timothy S. Donahue

    E-cigarettes are a less risky way to use nicotine. If they were more harmful than combustible tobacco products, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration would not have authorized 23 vaping products for sale. Likewise, the U.K. would not be promoting vaping products as tools to help cigarette smokers quit if they were not less harmful than traditional cigarettes. E-cigarettes and other vaping products are tools for harm reduction, and there’s plenty of research to confirm this.

    According to a Statista survey conducted in South Korea in 2021, around 33 percent of men smoked cigarettes. However, cigarette use in the country has steadily declined. This can mostly be attributed to the rise of e-cigarettes and other less risky products, such as heated-tobacco devices, taking a more prominent place in the market. In 2020, KAMJE, the journal of the Korean Medical Association, published an article citing medical experts advocating for wider availability and softer regulations regarding e-cigarette use because of vaping’s potential to help smokers quit or switch to less risky products.

    “There is an ongoing debate within the public health community about e-cigarettes on whether they have a potential role in smoking cessation. ‘Quit or die’ is no longer the only option for those who cannot quit,” the article states. “Safer nicotine products offer another way. There is substantial international and independent evidence that these products are safer than cigarettes.”

    Haka Korea was founded in 2013 and has been widely recognized in the vaping industry for its advancements in technology and consumer-orientated services. Haka leadership said the company strives to improve the lives of both smokers and nonsmokers, and it endeavors to offer the best products and services with its customer-focused approach. However, the Korean market presents its challenges.

    “Right now, the Korean e-cigarette market lacks a concrete regulatory framework. Furthermore, taxes imposed on the product are incredibly high. It’s an unbalanced system,” said a Haka representative. “These laws and rules are handled by different governmental departments, leading to difficulties in implementation. Additionally, taxes must be paid in a variety of ways, making it hard to manage.

    “Given that there is no powerful group yet spearheading this cause, it will be a challenge to change preexisting laws to fit current circumstances. Nevertheless, our team believes that if these laws can be modified and adjusted through sustained struggle, the possibilities for growth in the e-cigarette sector in Korea would be massive, and competition could be sustained. It won’t be easy, but we think it’s worth taking on.”

    Haka is focused on providing safe and reliable products and services. The company works at these goals in a socially responsible manner and is dedicated to developing and maintaining ethical standards, according to the representative. Haka products have been tested and certified by several regulatory bodies in several countries, including the European Union.

    In 2016, Haka Korea was honored with the Product Safety Commendation by the Korea Standards Association, a branch of the Korean government. The commendation served as confirmation of the product’s safety, according to Haka’s spokesperson.

    During the following years until 2023, Haka has been awarded the Best Brand Award Selected by Consumers at an event co-hosted by the newspaper JoongAng Ilbo and Forbes Korea. The awards were sponsored by Korea’s Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

    Haka has made several industry advances. For example, the company has been granted a patent for an adaptable charger that is compatible with mobile phone chargers. After introducing Haka Premium in 2013, it sold over 2 million units and became legendary among early e-cigarette users in Korea.

    During the vaping sector’s early years, which were plagued by defective devices, the company also implemented one of the industry’s first warranty programs to guarantee customer satisfaction. In 2013, the company also found fame in the development of its micro five-pin charging method. It has also excelled at creating several safety protocols, better batteries and two safety protection circuits that are installed on all of Haka’s hardware.

    “In 2015, we registered our most groundbreaking product yet—an automatic system that was powered by minuscule currents from the human body without the need for buttons. This caused quite a stir within the industry. Haka Korea strives to continue innovating and researching new concepts,” the Haka representative said. “Despite being one of the leading domestic electronic cigarettes on the market, external pressure due to regulations has been mounting. Nevertheless, we did not give up and released the CSV pod system, known as Haka Signature, in 2019, setting ourselves up for a new successful leap forward.”

    Haka is taking a proactive approach to protect the health of smokers who have quit combustibles using its products. For instance, Haka Korea has implemented a “no smoking” policy in all its stores, which prohibits the use of any tobacco-based or nicotine-based products. Haka Korea also offers a wide range of smokeless tobacco products, such as heat-not-burn devices, to provide customers with options that are less harmful than traditional smoking.

    In addition, Haka Korea provides information and resources to its customers on the potential health risks associated with smoking. “Haka Korea provides quality customer service and strives to create a safe and comfortable shopping experience for all customers. Haka Korea has established a customer service center to assist customers with any queries related to the company’s products and services,” explains the spokesperson. “In addition, Haka has created a website that allows customers to easily find information about products and services as well as to place orders online.”

    Haka has applied for and registered over 30 patents in areas such as trademarks, designs and technology. Furthermore, they have received several mandated certifications, such as CE (European Commission certification), RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive), KC (South Korean standards) and SGS (South Korean Assessment, Auditing and Certification).

    To comply with various regulations globally, the company works to ensure that all authorized retailers of Haka products comply with domestic laws and regulations and are effectively managed. In addition, Haka has established an authorized retailer training program to ensure that staff are knowledgeable about the company’s products and services.

    Haka says it is making great strides to expand its presence in the domestic electronic cigarette market. Currently, Haka Korea has 50 directly managed stores located nationwide, and the company plans to open more than 100 directly managed stores by 2023. In addition, Haka Korea is actively working to increase its presence in the online market, with plans to launch an online marketplace for its products soon.

    There are currently over 700,000 former smokers using Haka Signature, according to company data, and more than 3 million products have been sold. The company states that more than 50 million pods have been produced, and those numbers keep growing day by day.

    Haka saw the opportunity in the Korean pod vape market and teamed up with FEELM, a leading closed-pod atomization company, to produce Haka Signature—a closed pod system powered by FEELM’s innovative ceramic coil heating technology. Retailers said after the release that Haka Signature’s space-like design helped it stand out from the competition, differentiating itself from most conventional USB drive-like and cig-a-like products on the market. Closed pod system products account for over 90 percent of total revenues for Haka.

    Haka decided to collaborate with FEELM by introducing Signature’s ceramic coil vape pod to the Korean market for the first time. Not only did this solve several familiar complaints from e-cigarette users (e.g., spitback and burnt taste), but it also reduced the leakage rate to an unprecedented 5 percent, which is far lower than the cotton coils used in competitive products, according to FEELM data.

    Moving forward, Haka leadership intends to continue making significant strides in research and development to create products dedicated to health. The company is investigating different facets of the healthcare industry and brainstorming progressive solutions that it could potentially offer to not only its current clients but to the broader global market. In the end, Haka Korea hopes to establish continuous growth.

    “This shift toward healthcare-focused brands shows our dedication to spreading the message of healthier choices. It is a lofty goal, but with our proficiency, commitment to introducing new ideas and focus on quality, we feel prepared to bring this vision into fruition,” the Haka representative said. “Ultimately, Haka Korea’s long-term ambition is consistent growth within both the e-cigarette and healthcare industries while providing excellent products and services for consumers.

    “We wish to assist those who want to quit smoking by giving them accessible options and helping people lead more healthy lives with a diversity of products. This expresses our dedication to establishing healthier lifestyles and choices among consumers. It’s an ambitious aim, but with our expertise, dedication to advancing the field and focus on quality, we know we can achieve it.”

  • McKinney Regulatory Science Reveals New Website

    McKinney Regulatory Science Reveals New Website

    McKinney Regulatory Science Advisors has launch its new website that promises “a new era of innovation and transparency for their clients,” according to a press release.

    The new platform describes an array of advisory services to nicotine and cannabis clients, with an emphasis on providing McKinney clients with the best available regulatory services.

    Willie McKinney, CEO of McKinney, said the new website represents a significant milestone in journey to provide exceptional advisory services to our nicotine and cannabis clients.

    “The revamped platform reflects our dedication to innovation, transparency, and client satisfaction, making it easier for clients to explore our services and access valuable regulatory resources,” he said

    The new website offers a modern design that makes it easy for users to find the information they need quickly. It also features an intuitive navigation system that allows users to identify relevant services and access helpful resources rapidly, according to McKinney. Additionally, the site is optimized for mobile devices so that users can access the site from any device at any time.

    “McKinney RSA focuses on providing comprehensive solutions that meet complex regulatory requirements while also delivering superior customer service,” the release states. “With decades of industry experience under their belt, they are committed to helping their clients succeed by providing top-notch guidance every step of the way.”

  • FDA Makes Next TPSAC Meeting Materials Available

    FDA Makes Next TPSAC Meeting Materials Available

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee (TPSAC) met on May 18 to discuss the “Requirements for Tobacco Product Manufacturing Practice” proposed rule. All the meeting materials, including the recording, transcript and summary minutes, are now available online.

    The proposed rule, if finalized, lays out the FDA’s requirements for tobacco product manufacturers regarding the manufacture, design, packing and storage of tobacco products.

    Comments on the proposed rule must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Sept. 6, 2023.

  • Michigan Recalls THC Vapes for Banned Chemical

    Michigan Recalls THC Vapes for Banned Chemical

    The Cannabis Regulatory Agency in Michigan is recalling certain THC vape cartridges due to the possible presence of banned chemical residue exceeding the established limits, the agency announced.

    The vape cartridges — manufactured under the name “FLIGHT LIVE RESIN DISPOSABLE” — were manufactured by the Mount Morris-based marijuana processor Sky Labs near Flint and include three batches called “Grease Monkey,” “Space Ether” and “Bubblegum,” according to the Detroit Free Press.

    More than 13,000 of these vape cartridges have been sold, David Harns, a spokesperson for the CRA said, and about 2,200 of them are currently available for sale at 59 dispensaries.

    The banned chemical residues that are possibly in the products include Bifenthrin (an insecticide), Myclobutanil (a chemical used as a fungicide), Bifenazate (a pesticide), Paclobutrazol (an organic compound used as a plant growth retardant and fungicide) and Permethrin (an insecticide), he said.

  • Study Linking Vaping and Liver Disease Retracted

    Study Linking Vaping and Liver Disease Retracted

    A study linking nicotine vapes to liver disease was retracted from Gastroenterology Research after the authors failed to reply to concerns about the researchers’ methods and findings, reports Filter.

    The retraction stated that “concerns have been raised regarding the article’s methodology, source data processing, including statistical analysis, and reliability of conclusions.” The study was published in June 2022.

    A letter was sent to the editor raising concerns, and the authors were given time to respond but failed to do so. “As is our journal and publisher’s policy, because there was no response or rebuttal from the authors, the manuscript was retracted, and the letter to the editor was not published,” said Robert Wong, editor-in-chief of Gastroenterology Research. “Typically, if there is an author response or rebuttal, we publish both the letter to the editor and the response.”

    “This is a greater problem than just one study,” said Gregory Conley, director of legislative and external affairs for the American Vapor Manufacturers Association, noting a 2020 retraction by the Journal of the American Heart Association of a study connecting vaping to heart attacks. The 2020 retraction letter to the journal was made public, but the issue with the Gastroenterology Research paper is less clear because “there is silence around why it was retracted,” said Conley.

    It’s gratifying that the journal took the step to retract the paper. There’s just a lot of things going on with this study that make it seem kind of weird.

    The 13 co-authors of the study drew from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and analyzed participants’ responses for associations between liver disease and the use of cigarettes or vaping products.

    They claimed the results showed “e-cigarette users … were associated with higher odds of having liver disease compared to nonsmokers.”

    “I already have a bunch of questions just off the top of my head, basically, just looking at this paper,” said who studies tobacco dependence and treatment. He said there were issues with the data, noting that the only survey question on vaping is broad, asking “Have you ever used an e-cigarette?” Questions on combustible tobacco included “Do you now smoke cigarettes?” and if someone has smoked “at least 100 cigarettes” in their life. 

    “That’s kind of a weak variable,” Niaura said. “What does it mean? It doesn’t mean much.”

    The data also didn’t allow for analysis around timing, which means it’s not possible to tell whether liver disease was developed before or after smoking/vaping. “What’s the resolution of the information in studies like this?” Niaura asked. “It’s tricky.”

    “It’s gratifying that the journal took the step to retract the paper,” he said. “There’s just a lot of things going on with this study that make it seem kind of weird.” 

  • Lawmakers File Bills To Address FDA CBD Regulation

    Lawmakers File Bills To Address FDA CBD Regulation

    Courtesy: US FDA

    Four U.S. senators separately filed legislation on Thursday that would remove regulatory barriers that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration claims prevent it from allowing CBD sales in the food supply or as dietary supplements.

    The Hemp Access and Consumer Safety Act, which was also introduced last Congress but did not advance, would exempt “hemp, hemp-derived cannabidiol, or a substance containing any other ingredient derived from hemp” from certain federal restrictions while permitting officials to enact labeling and packaging rules, according to media reports.

    Now lawmakers are gearing up to address FDA’s inaction at the subcommittee hearing formally.

    A congressional committee has scheduled a hearing for next week focused on the FDA’s refusal to enact regulations to allow for the marketing of hemp-derived CBD products. And bipartisan and bicameral lawmakers have separately reintroduced a bill to fill the regulatory gap.

    The House Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee on Health Care and Financial Services scheduled the hearing—titled “Hemp in the Modern World: The Years long Wait for FDA Action”—for July 27.

    Rep. James Comer, who chairs the full committee, has sharply criticized FDA after the agency announced in January that it would not be developing CBD regulations, stating that there is not an available pathway to create such rules and it would require congressional action.

    Meanwhile, Comer said in April that his panel would be launching an investigation into the matter, and he requested that the FDA turn over documents related to its decision not to regulate the cannabinoid. Even before the agency made that decision, the congressman expressed his intent to address the lack of rules.

    Jonathan Miller, general counsel to the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, will be among those testifying at the meeting, the organization announced in a press release on Thursday.

  • Call for Proposals to Improve Doctors’ Understanding of THR

    Call for Proposals to Improve Doctors’ Understanding of THR

    Image: Tobacco Reporter archive

    The Foundation for a Smoke-Free World (FSFW) has issued a call for proposals to further analyze the findings of its Sermo survey on doctors and propose programs that would help improve doctors’ fluency about smoking cessation and tobacco harm reduction (THR), according to a press release.

    The FSFW funded research carried out in 2022 by Sermo, an independent platform and leader in actionable healthcare professional insights that surveyed more than 15,000 doctors online in 11 countries, including China, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States. A significant majority of the surveyed doctors mistakenly attributed the negative health effects of smoking to nicotine. 

    An average of 87 percent of doctors agreed, at least moderately, that helping patients quit smoking is a priority; however, 74 percent mistakenly believe nicotine causes a range of illnesses, including lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

    The misperception about nicotine could account for an average of 55 percent of the doctors recommending over-the-counter nicotine-replacement therapies to help patients reduce or quit smoking.

    “It is imperative that doctors get the proper training to learn the facts about nicotine and tobacco harm reduction options that can help their smoking patients quit,” said Muhammad Ahmed, director of health and science research at the FSFW. “With more than 7 million smokers dying annually from smoking-related diseases worldwide, many lives can be saved if doctors become more knowledgeable about the cessation tools available.” 

    “Patients look to doctors for trusted health advice,” said Jed Rose, president and CEO of Rose Research Center and co-inventor of the nicotine patch. “Therefore, it is vital that doctors provide accurate, current advice to smokers about the health risks of smoking cigarettes compared to using products that deliver nicotine without combustion.”

    The survey on doctors showed that 74 percent of doctors on average at least moderately agree that nicotine causes lung, bladder and head/neck/gastric cancer; in the United States, this figure is 70 percent; in Germany, this figure is 78 percent; in China, this figure is 86 percent; in Japan, this figure is 85 percent; 78 percent of doctors on average at least moderately agree that atherosclerosis is caused by nicotine; and 76 percent of doctors on average at least moderately agree that COPD is caused by nicotine.

    On average, 81 percent of the physicians surveyed are at least moderately interested in training focused on smoking cessation and tobacco harm reduction.

    The survey also found that while doctors’ conversations with patients who smoke focus on the health benefits of cutting down or quitting (73 percent on average globally) and the health risks of continuing (73 percent on average globally), a comparatively small number of physicians—just over half (56 percent on average globally) on average—recommend cutting down on the amount of smokable tobacco products, and less than half of doctors (48 percent on average globally) help patients develop a plan to quit.

    Researchers interested in submitting a proposal to further analyze these findings should contact support@smokefreeworld.org.