New Study Highlights Impact of Nicotine Pouches and E-Cigarettes on Smokers

The Nicotine and Tobacco Research Journal recently published a pilot study examining how access to alternative nicotine products, such as nicotine pouches and e-cigarettes, affects smokers. The study specifically focused on individuals with low socioeconomic status, a demographic often overlooked in discussions about creating a smoke-free society.

Study Details

Criteria for Participants:

• Adults who had smoked daily for at least six months.
• Earning less than 250% of the federal poverty level.
• No intention of quitting smoking within the next 30 days.

Participants were divided into three groups:

• E-cigarette users (5% nicotine)
• Nicotine pouch users (4mg nicotine)
• Control group (no alternative nicotine products)

Over an eight-week period, researchers monitored the daily cigarette consumption of participants.

Federal Poverty Level Context:

For this 2023 study, the qualifying income for a single person was less than $36,450 (250% of $14,580, the federal poverty level). For context, the average US salary is nearly $60,000.

Results

The trial included 45 participants:

• 18 in the e-cigarette group
• 18 in the nicotine pouch group
• 9 in the control group

33 participants completed the eight-week trial. The average participant age was 50, with an average of 14 cigarettes smoked per day.

E-Cigarette Group:

Participants reduced their cigarette consumption from 14.7 to 2.9 per day. Four participants switched entirely to e-cigarettes.

Nicotine Pouch Group:

Cigarette consumption dropped from 15 to 8.3 per day. One participant switched entirely to nicotine pouches. The 4mg pouches are relatively low-strength compared to the 5% e-cigarette pods, suggesting stronger pouches might yield different results in future studies.

Implications

This pilot study, though small, offers promising insights for harm reduction among smokers, especially those with low socioeconomic status. Smokers who are not interested in quitting cigarettes present a significant public health challenge, and smoking is a major contributor to health disparities linked to income.

Public discourse around alternative nicotine products often misses the mark, focusing instead on middle-class anxieties. Those concerned about youth vaping should focus on parenting rather than advocating for government bans that could widen health disparities.

Summing things up

This trial underscores the importance of considering socioeconomic factors in smoking harm reduction efforts. The focus should be on protecting the health of working people rather than succumbing to the misplaced fears of a vocal minority. It’s crucial to prioritise the well-being of all smokers, regardless of their socioeconomic status.