Tobacco Harm Reduction

R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company believes Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) is an opportunity to benefit public health. THR is an evidence-based public health strategy intended to reduce the health harms associated with using combustible tobacco products.

Tobacco harm reduction encourages adult smokers uninterested in quitting tobacco altogether to consider using an innovative, alternative nicotine product that may present less risk. These alternative nicotine products include vapor, tobacco heating, oral nicotine, and smokeless.

RJRT is committed to reducing the health impact of its business. The company champions tobacco harm reduction in an array of ways, including product development and science, regulatory engagement with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and external engagement with interested stakeholders.

Cigarette smoking is a leading cause of preventable deaths in the United States. Cigarette smoking significantly increases the risk of developing lung cancer, heart disease, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and other serious diseases and adverse health conditions. No tobacco product has been shown to be safe and without risks, and quitting tobacco use significantly reduces the risk for serious diseases. The health risks associated with cigarettes are significantly greater than those associated with the use of smoke-free tobacco and nicotine products.

Governments, public health officials, tobacco manufacturers and others can play a role in providing adult tobacco consumers with accurate information about the various health risks and comparative risks associated with the use of different tobacco and nicotine products.