Understanding nicotine: facts must guide harm reduction, not myths

17 June 2025

Persistent myths about nicotine continue to undermine global progress in reducing the harms of smoking, warns the Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA). In its new white paper, "Understanding Nicotine: The Facts, Not the Myths," CAPHRA urges policymakers and health leaders to focus on evidence, not fear, when shaping tobacco control strategies.

“Nicotine is not the culprit behind smoking-related disease. The real danger comes from the toxic smoke produced by burning tobacco, not from nicotine itself,” said Nancy Loucas, Executive Coordinator of CAPHRA. 

“Decades of misinformation have left many wrongly believing nicotine causes cancer and heart disease, when the science is clear: it is the act of combustion that kills.”

The white paper explains that nicotine, a mild stimulant also found in tomatoes and potatoes, does not cause cancer or lung disease. While nicotine can lead to dependence, using it in safer forms such as patches, gums, vapes, or pouches carries a fraction of the risk associated with smoking. “People deserve to know that switching to smoke-free alternatives can dramatically reduce their health risks,” Loucas said.

CAPHRA’s research reveals that over 60% of people who smoke still mistakenly believe nicotine is the main cause of cancer, a misconception that even confuses some healthcare professionals. This misunderstanding prevents many from switching to far less harmful, smoke-free products. “Instead of demonising nicotine, we should be promoting safer alternatives and providing clear, evidence-based information,” Loucas urged.

The paper also addresses concerns about youth and mental health, noting that current studies have not shown clear evidence of long-term brain damage from nicotine use in teenagers. For many adults, nicotine can help manage stress and improve focus, but the public health message must be about reducing harm, not fuelling fear.

“Society must move beyond outdated dogma and focus on the real issue: the smoke, not the nicotine. Harm reduction saves lives, and people must have access to accurate information and safer alternatives,” Loucas said. 

“We urge governments and health agencies to adopt risk-proportionate regulations and to stop perpetuating myths that cost lives.”

CAPHRA’s message is clear: public health policy must be anchored in facts. As the world moves towards smoke-free nicotine, this shift—if supported by honest education—could save millions of lives.