Sweden Urges WHO to Focus on Smokeless Alternatives

Oct.23.2023
Sweden Urges WHO to Focus on Smokeless Alternatives
Swedish tobacco research institute urges WHO to focus on Sweden's success in reducing smoking-related deaths with smoke-free alternatives.

In recent news, a recent research paper published by the Institute of Tobacco Studies in Sweden (ITS) has urged the World Health Organization (WHO) to take note of Sweden's successful large-scale transition to smokeless alternative products in order to reduce global smoking-related deaths.


According to the paper, the best example comes from Sweden, where the male smoking rate is the lowest in the European Union, hence resulting in the lowest tobacco-related mortality rate.


The Swedish Tobacco Research Institute (ITS) recently published a paper highlighting its successful experiences in reducing global smoking-related mortality rates. The paper calls on the World Health Organization (WHO) to shift its focus towards smokeless alternatives. This paper has been published on Qeios and is available for download.


The principal investigator of this study is Dr. Lars M. Ramström, who has previously served as an expert for the World Health Organization and as the Secretary-General of international conferences on smoking and health issues.


According to the paper, "The WHO needs to employ all evidence-based strategies to reduce tobacco-related mortality." The paper also emphasizes that harm reduction is one of the three pillars of tobacco control measures and without it, the measures advocated by the WHO to reduce demand and supply will be ineffective.


In addition, this study also brings to the attention of the World Health Organization the experiences of countries like Sweden, Norway, Japan, and New Zealand. The study emphasizes that in Japan, a significant number of smokers have shifted towards heated tobacco products, resulting in a decline in smoking rates from approximately 20% in 2014 to 13% in 2019.


The paper ultimately urges the World Health Organization to base their tobacco policies on scientific evidence and to follow the example of Sweden.


We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Tennessee’s “Tobacco Product Retail Licensing Act” Would Require New Licenses for Tobacco and Vapes
Tennessee’s “Tobacco Product Retail Licensing Act” Would Require New Licenses for Tobacco and Vapes
A newly introduced Tennessee bill, S.B. 2086, would create a statewide tobacco product retail licensing system, move oversight to the Tennessee Alcohol Commission, and impose fees and escalating penalties. The proposal also requires all tobacco product sales to occur as in-person, over-the-counter transactions at licensed locations—effectively banning direct-to-consumer shipping of cigars and potentially restricting curbside or phone-order pickup models.
Jan.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
South Dakota Senate Committee Advances Bill Tightening Nicotine Retail Rules
South Dakota Senate Committee Advances Bill Tightening Nicotine Retail Rules
South Dakota Senate Bill 221 (SB 221), which seeks to regulate the retail sale of nicotine products, has passed the Senate Health and Human Services Committee with a unanimous 7–0 recommendation. The bill was significantly amended, expanding from three to nine pages and shifting its focus from vapor products alone to all nicotine products.
Regulations
Feb.22
Kyrgyzstan: Jogorku Kenesh committee sends draft vape ban bills back for revisions
Kyrgyzstan: Jogorku Kenesh committee sends draft vape ban bills back for revisions
Kyrgyzstan Jogorku Kenesh committee on labor, health, women’s affairs and social issues decided to withdraw for revision two draft laws related to banning electronic nicotine delivery systems and e-cigarettes in Kyrgyzstan.
Jan.14 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Malaysia High Court Sets May 15 Ruling on NGOs’ Challenge to Vape Nicotine Poisons List Exemption
Malaysia High Court Sets May 15 Ruling on NGOs’ Challenge to Vape Nicotine Poisons List Exemption
Malaysia’s High Court has fixed May 15, 2026, to deliver its decision on a judicial review application by three NGOs challenging the government’s move to exempt vape liquids and gels from the Poisons List. The applicants argue the March 31, 2023 delisting effectively deregulated vape products and created a prolonged gap until Act 852 took effect in October 2024.
Jan.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Product | 5ml/2ml Dual Versions, Up to 45W Output: VAPORESSO Launches LUXE X3 on Official Website
Product | 5ml/2ml Dual Versions, Up to 45W Output: VAPORESSO Launches LUXE X3 on Official Website
VAPORESSO has listed the LUXE X3, a new addition to its LUXE X series, on its official website. The device features a 2,600mAh built-in battery, adjustable 5–45W output and a 0.8-inch digital display, and comes with a 5ml pod (2ml for the TPD version). The LUXE X3 has also appeared on some UK and US online retailers for pre-order, with prices below the company’s stated MSRP of $37.9.
Jan.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai
South Korea to regulate synthetic-nicotine e-liquids as tobacco from April 24
South Korea to regulate synthetic-nicotine e-liquids as tobacco from April 24
South Korea’s Health Ministry says amendments to the Tobacco Business Act will take effect on April 24, bringing synthetic-nicotine e-liquid vapes under the legal definition of tobacco. The shift extends cigarette-style rules to these products, including mandatory graphic warnings, sharply limited advertising channels, stricter vending-machine placement requirements, and a ban on use in smoke-free areas, with enforcement checks slated from late April.
Feb.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai