CTP Director Co-Authors New Journal Commentary on the Relative Risks of Tobacco Products

April 16, 2024

On April 16, Nature Medicine published a new commentary co-authored by FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) Director Brian King, Ph.D., M.P.H., discussing considerations for healthcare providers around talking to adults about the relative risks of different tobacco products.

The commentary reinforces that youth should not use any form of tobacco products. Among adults who smoke, it stresses the importance of using evidence-based cessation methods, including FDA-approved pharmacotherapies, as a first line treatment. For adults who smoke and have tried proven cessation methods with no success, medical providers may consider educating patients about the relative risks of tobacco products and the potential health benefits of switching completely to a lower-risk product. Among patients who smoke, the authors note it is critical to reinforce the importance of complete transitioning away from smoking to exclusive e-cigarette use. Further, eventual abstinence from all tobacco products should be the end goal.

In conjunction with this release, CTP is launching a new webpage aimed at educating the public about the relative risks of tobacco products. CTP will continue to update the information on this new webpage based on the best available science.

To learn more, read the commentary and visit the new webpage.