Tobacco: Why Emphasis Must Be On Non-combustion — Baker

To address the risk associated with tobacco smoking, emphasis must be on the scientific principle of non-combustion, the Vice President of Global Scientific Engagement at Phillips Morris International, Gizelle Baker, has said.

It is estimated that the world currently has about one billion smokers of combustible cigarettes.

Speaking at the Open Science Forum with the theme Science and Sustainability, Baker said a tobacco burning emits over 6000 chemicals and with every cigarette a person smokes, they are inhaling almost half a trillion solid particles.

“If we can eliminate combustion, we will reduce the level and number of toxicants that smokers will be exposed to” Baker said, adding that there was the need to have scientifically sustainable products that are adequately communicated to adult smokers so they can switch.

She emphasised the need to have alternative tobacco products that will allow adult smokers to switch away to something that is better for them noting “there has to be a balance between driving down risk and maximizing the appeal to adult smokers.”

Baker disclosed that Philips Morris International was poised to improve its smoke-free products and make them accessible to consumers.

The Open Science Forum, an annual event hosted by Philips Morris International, provides a platform for scientists to discuss topics related to research, evolution and the technology of smoke-free products and their potential impacts on tobacco harm reduction.