“Tobacco Free” Nicotine Product Fallacy

 

Recently, the industry has begun promoting tobacco products that are being sold with "tobacco-free" claims. The claims are used to describe either that the products is made with nicotine created in a lab (synthetic nicotine) or that the product contains no tobacco leaf. 

A recent article on TruthInitiative.org shares the truth about so-called tobacco-free products - ALL CONTAIN NICOTINE

The Reality: Nicotine is Dangerous to Adolescents – Regardless of its source, nicotine is harmful to developing brains. Its use during adolescence can disrupt the formation of vital brain circuits that control attention, learning, and susceptibility to addiction. Research also shows nicotine use may create worse anxiety symptom and increased feelings of depression.

“Tobacco-Free” Claims Cause Confusion – Young adults may incorrectly interpret the claim “tobacco-free” and believe it means nicotine is not present in these products. Nicotine products marketed as “tobacco-free” could also create confusion about whether use violates tobacco-free policies in schools, workplaces, and other locations. All products containing nicotine should be considered tobacco products and be treated as such in schools and workplaces.

“Tobacco-Free” Claims May Increase Appeal – Studies have found when teens view advertising that claims to promote “tobacco-free” products, these ads tend to reduce perception of harm and may actually increase intention to use the product, compared to product ads without the claim. A study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2022 reported that flavored non-tobacco oral nicotine products, such as gum, lozenges, and gummies, were the second most prevalent nicotine products used among adolescents after e-cigarettes.

“Tobacco-Free” Nicotine Fallacy – If claims about “tobacco-free” nicotine products sound too good to be true, they probably are. Nicotine in any form is an addictive chemical. Stay safe and stay away!