Online Program

Oral

While much progress has been made in tobacco control over the past three decades, emerging new products are creating treatment, prevention program, and public policy challenges. There is confusion and consternation amongst some in public health about the goals of the tobacco control movement: is “harm reduction” the goal or is it the elimination the addiction to nicotine entirely? Cigarette manufacturers and allies are working tirelessly to keep “harm reduction” products on the market as cessation devices, but science hasn’t confirmed this claim. In fact, studies indicate that when smokers switch, they simply use the “less harmful” product rather than dealing with the addiction to nicotine; more disturbing is the increase in use of these products by former smokers and young adult never smokers. Many questions remain about the safety and efficacy of these alternative tobacco products, leading to additional areas of concern for public health. This panel will focus on just a few of these new, emerging products including electronic cigarettes, and the use of menthol in tobacco products. Health outcomes research, public policy trends, and tobacco industry engagement will be also be discussed. The possibilities for federal regulation of new products and menthol, along with how public health can get involved in the regulatory process, will also be included.

Session Objectives: Describe the challenges of Harm Reduction on public health ; Evaluate the effects of harm reduction products, such as e-cigarettes, on individual and public health; Describe the current policy trends in governing use and sales of alternative, emerging products; Understand the process of federal product regulation of non-cigarette products and flavorings; Explain how to engage in federal rule making and submitting comments on public dockets.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH) , Masters Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES)