How Do You Know Which Sources to Trust?

Every source of information has some bias, but few will acknowledge it in advance. My bias is towards taking action, even in the face of incomplete information. Some sources are entrepreneurs or are not-for-profit groups funded by companies seeking to make a profit. Some sources are funded by organizations that focus on the future health of children. Some sources are government agencies that can be subject to business influences. This is not meant to criticize any of the many scientists, advocates, and communicators that publish information on these topics. Your interests as a nicotine user or as a clinician seeking to assist patients who use nicotine may not align completely with any specific source.

Is nicotine harmful to people over the age of 25? Multiple national and international organizations agree that nicotine in any form is harmful. Some vendors are silent about the risks. World Health Organization, CDC, American Heart Association, FDA “There is no safe tobacco product. Those who do not currently use tobacco products should not start. Youth should never use tobacco products.”

Is switching from cigarettes to an alternative such as vaping or pouches helpful to your future health (harm reduction)?

World Health Organization, England, FDA

What are the risks of vaping? CDC, American Heart Association, National Institute on Drug Abuse

What are the risks of using pouches? CDC, American Heart Association

Can vaping help you quit smoking? England, Cochrane Review, National Institute on Drug Abuse

Can pouches help you quit smoking? Journal of the American Medical Association

Why should you consider only nicotine products cleared by the FDA for efforts to lower the risk of current nicotine use? The FDA review includes measuring all the chemicals contained in and produced by the vape or pouch. The chemicals produced by other products have not been studied and have unknown risk.