Different nicotine products carry different levels of risk. Understanding where each product falls on the continuum can help you make informed decisions about your health.

Cigarettes are the most dangerous way to use nicotine.

As you move from right to left on the chart, the level of harm decreases. Nicotine gum, patches, and lozenges pose significantly less risk than combustible products.

Using both cigarettes and e-cigarettes — known as dual use — may not significantly reduce health risks, especially if you continue to smoke regularly. The biggest health benefits come from fully switching to a lower-risk product or quitting entirely. Even so, cutting down on cigarettes can be a first step toward reducing harm, as long as you have a plan to go further.

Note: Using both cigarettes and lower-risk products like e-cigarettes (known as dual use) does not offer the same health benefit as switching completely. The greatest reduction in harm comes from fully replacing cigarettes with a less harmful option.