home page ← Buzz@Bruss! Edition #6 ← Facts, not fear – acknowledge the evidence
In an increasingly polluted media landscape, separating real from fake news is becoming a progressively complex exercise.
The deliberate spreading of false information to promote political or special group interests on an unsuspecting public sets a dangerous precedent. Trust is challenged and confidence in individuals and institutions across all parts of society crumbles.
So, the statement by European Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra at a recent European Parliament Subcommittee meeting → on Fiscal Matters that “…, vaping kills” clearly disregards facts that show the reduced harm of new nicotine products vs traditional combustible tobacco. It deliberately disregards the body of scientific evidence for ideological reasons and ultimately confuses consumers who may be seeking less harmful alternatives.
Misleading statements on alternative nicotine products: a dangerous trend
This isn’t an isolated incident. Similar comments made by Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi during his confirmation hearing → in November 2024 further underline a worrying trend: the conflation of combustible tobacco with scientifically distinct alternatives like heated tobacco, nicotine pouches or vapor products.
At JTI, we believe this kind of narrative confuses consumers, threatens informed policymaking and ultimately stifles innovation. It’s time for a debate grounded in evidence – not ideology.
Transparency and inclusion
The ongoing review of the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) presents a pivotal moment for the EU to embrace a science-driven approach to tobacco harm reduction. The forthcoming evaluation report must incorporate comprehensive evidence on the relative risks of different nicotine products. Official statements equating all nicotine products lack scientific credibility and risk misleading both policymakers and the public. Moreover, it creates a restrictive environment that discourages R&D investments toward novel products.
We therefore urge the Commission to prioritize facts over rhetoric, to take stock of the full body of scientific evidence and to engage transparently with all stakeholders. We are committed to contributing constructively, with integrity and openness. We equally expect a transparent engagement with all stakeholders – including an industry which remains a significant contributor to the EU economy – when developing future policy.
Not all nicotine products are equal!
The science is clear. While nicotine is an addictive substance, the primary cause of tobacco-related disease lies in the combustion of tobacco – not the nicotine itself.
1. As e.g. evidenced by Public Health England Nicotine vaping in England: 2022 evidence update summary – GOV.UK or the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment Levels of selected analytes in the emissions of “heat not burn” tobacco products that are relevant to assess human health risks | Archives of Toxicology
2. Pinto, M.I., et al., Chemical characterisation of the vapour emitted by an e-cigarette using a ceramic wick-based technology. Sci Rep, 2022. 12(1):16497. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19761-w; Margham, J., et al., Chemical composition of aerosol from an e-cigarette: a quantitative comparison with cigarette smoke. Chem Res Toxicol, 2016. 29(10): p. 1662-1678. DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.6b00188; Pinto, M.I., et al., Chemical characterisation of the vapour emitted by an e-cigarette using a ceramic wick-based technology. Sci Rep, 2022. 12(1):16497. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19761-w.
3. Azzopardi, D., et al., Chemical characterization of tobacco-free “modern” oral nicotine pouches and their position on the toxicant and risk continuums. Drug Chem Toxicol, 2022. 45(5): p. 2246-2254. DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2021.1925691; A Randomized, Controlled Study to Assess Changes in Biomarkers of Exposures Among Adults Who Smoke That Switch to Oral Nicotine Pouch Products Relative to Continuing Smoking or Stopping All Tobacco Use – PubMed
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