By Mona Lagbas
Cagayan de Oro City_ A consulting firm has literally debunked myths about tobacco harm reduction in a press conference at a local hotel Tuesday.
ASCRA Consulting Inc dispelled common beliefs regarding the consequences of and effects of tobacco harm and presented alternatives to cigarette smoking.
One common myth was that tobacco harm reduction can only be stopped with another addiction when, in fact, the principle of tobacco hacomrm reduction lessens the risks involved with smoking. Another myth suggests that tobacco harm reduction only promotes the use of e-cigarettes and raping devices when, in truth, these alternatives to smoking effectively satisfy nicotine cravings and significantly lowers health risks brought about by traditional smoking.
As to the allegation that nicotine products are deadly, ASCRA Consulting also debunked this myth by categorically stating that although nicotine helps control stress and anxiety, it does not cause intoxication, oblivion, violence or serious diseases over the long term but rather it is the tar which is harmful. They, however, stressed that although e-cigarettes and raping products contain nicotine, these do not produce tar.
On the business aspect, a common myth is that e-cigarettes are deletions by tobacco companies just to expand their consumer bases. In addressing this issue, ASCRA said that e-cigarettes were invented in 2003 and that it was only nine years later that major tobacco companies joined the vaping market.
ASCRA Consulting also cited two Republic Acts or laws that were enacted regarding traditional smoking and e-cigarette or vaping products with corresponding regulations and sanctions for violators.
In an open forum, local media attendees voiced out their concerns on the subject matter. One of these was that information drives be intensified, stating that the Department of Education should include in the school curriculum of young learners the dangers and health risks of smoking and/or vaping. But ASCRA Consulting was also quick to insist that non-smokers should not use e-cigarettes or vaping products but only those who want to quot smoking.
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