Open Science, June 2022

      An open conversation on the science behind smoke-free alternatives​

      In this Open Science event, we explained why scientifically substantiated smoke-free products are considered better alternatives to cigarettes, how they can positively impact population health, and the role scientifically substantiated smoke-free products can play by complementing existing tobacco control measures. We also discussed why the absence of combustion is an important first step in a harm reduction approach to smoking.

      Watch the replay

      The role of smoke-free products in tobacco harm reduction

      The best way to avoid the harm of smoking is to not start in the first place. For someone who already smokes, quitting smoking is the single best thing they can do to reduce their risk. And if a person won’t quit, then switching to a product that doesn’t burn tobacco is a better choice than continuing to smoke cigarettes. This is because the vast majority of harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoke and linked to smoking-related diseases are generated by combustion. 

      Event Details

      Live from the Cube

      Our Open Science event was held live at our R&D Center, The Cube, in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, in June 2022.

       

      This Open Science event walked viewers through the science behind our smoke-free alternatives and discussed why completely switching to tobacco- or nicotine-containing products that do not burn tobacco, has the potential to present less risk of harm for adult smokers than continued smoking. 

      Watch the replay
      Open Science Speakers

      The session and live Q&A were moderated by former journalist, Sukhi Hayer.

      Tobacco harm reduction: Discussing smoke-free alternatives

      In our seventh Open Science event, two of our leading scientists along with a medical oncologist share their thoughts on smoke-free products, the potential impact the introduction of smoke-free products might have on population health, and the need for scientific evidence to support their effectiveness in helping adult smokers leave cigarettes behind.

      In addition, our Open Science events allow for a live Q&A session with our viewers as part of our commitment to open dialog. In the second half of this video, the panellists answer numerous questions related to tobacco harm reduction such as the misconceptions about nicotine and more. Watch our Open Science event and learn how smoke-free products might benefit public health.

      See more from our Open Science events
      You Ask, We Answer
      November 2023: Watch our experts address common misconceptions and provide clarity on smoke-free products and their role in tobacco harm reduction.
      Difference Between Cigarette Smoke And Smoke-free Product Aerosol
      The fundamental difference between cigarette smoke and heated tobacco product aerosol
      September 2020: Watch PMI's second Open Science event, focused on one of the biggest problems with cigarettes: burning.
      Illustration of smoke-free products
      Innovative products behind a smoke-free future
      December 2022: Heated tobacco products, e-cigarettes, oral smokeless products. What they are, how they work, and their role in developing a smoke-free world.

      PMIScience.com is operated by Philip Morris International for the purpose of publishing and disseminating scientific information about Philip Morris International’s efforts in support of its smoke-free product portfolio. This site is a global site for use by scientists, the public health and regulatory communities, and other stakeholders with an interest in tobacco policy. The purpose of this site is not advertising or marketing, nor is it directed at any specific market. It is not intended for use by consumers. New tobacco products sold in the United States are subject to FDA regulation; therefore the content of this site is not intended to make, and nor should it be construed as making, any product related claims in the United States without proper FDA authorization. ​
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      Reduced Risk Products ("RRPs”) is the term we use to refer to products that present, are likely to present, or have the potential to present less risk of harm to smokers who switch to these products versus continuing smoking. PMI has a range of RRPs in various stages of development, scientific assessment and commercialization. All of our RRPs are smoke-free products that deliver nicotine with far lower quantities of harmful and potentially harmful constituents than found in cigarette smoke.