“A survey of GPs has revealed some falsely believe one of the greatest health risks from smoking is nicotine. This belief could influence health advice to smokers when considering whether to recommend the use of alternative nicotine products. Nicotine is the addictive component of tobacco smoke, but unlike some other constituents of tobacco smoke, it is not carcinogenic (cancer-causing) and according to the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) ‘medicinal nicotine is a very safe drug.’ Switching to alternative nicotine products such as nicotine gums and electronic cigarettes can, therefore, help many smokers quit smoking or cut down, thereby reducing exposure to tobacco smoke and the associated harm. The survey findings show that a substantial proportion of GPs (40%) believe nicotine to be the first or second riskiest component of cigarettes, incorrectly identifying it as more harmful than smoke. Many (44% UK, 56% Sweden) also wrongly believe that nicotine in tobacco products is associated with cancer”
ARTICLE LINK:
‘GPs falsley believe nicotine most harmful cigarette ingredient’
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