PMI Calls for Science-Based Discourse on Smoke-Free Alternatives
September 27 2021 - 4:03AM
Business Wire
New international survey reveals misinformation
is leading to confusion about smoke-free products
Misinformation threatens progress
toward a smoke-free future, reveals a new international survey
released today by Philip Morris International Inc. (PMI) (NYSE:
PM). Well-funded groups continue to promote false narratives and
spread confusion even as societal support increases for smoke-free
alternatives that are scientifically substantiated to be a better
choice for adults than continued smoking.
The survey—fielded among nearly 30,000 adults in 26 countries by
independent research firm Povaddo and commissioned by PMI—reveals
that too many adult smokers remain unaware that better alternatives
to cigarettes exist, are unable to access them, or are confused by
false or misleading information that prevents them from making an
informed choice.
There is clear public demand for a collective review of the
facts and science about smoke-free products. Nearly eight in 10
respondents (79%) agree that adult smokers who would otherwise
continue using cigarettes should have access to and accurate
information about smoke-free alternatives. This view is shared by
87% of current adult smokers.
“People expect public health bodies and regulators to reach a
scientific consensus around innovative smoke-free alternatives and
provide adults who smoke with evidence-based information about
these products,” said Grégoire Verdeaux, Senior Vice President,
External Affairs at PMI. “Misinformation about smoke-free
alternatives—often based on opinion—is a persistent issue that is
having real-world consequences. Embracing facts, innovative
technologies, and science is the shared responsibility of industry,
health authorities, and government, and it’s the least we can do to
drive positive change for the world. At Philip Morris
International, we prioritize transparency as we transform our
business to deliver a smoke-free future—inviting policymakers, the
scientific community, and NGOs to review and verify our scientific
findings. By providing adult smokers science-based information
about better alternatives, we can accelerate the decline in smoking
rates, helping to end the use of cigarettes once and for all.”
The survey also shows the extent of public confusion surrounding
smoke-free products.
- Nearly half the adults surveyed wrongly believe that
e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products are more harmful than or
equally harmful as cigarettes (45% and 46%, respectively, for each
product category).
- Asked why they have not considered switching to a better
alternative, around a third of smokers surveyed cited lack of
information about how these products differ from cigarettes (33%),
uncertainty about the science (35%), or having easier access to
cigarettes (32%), the most harmful form of tobacco
consumption.
Promisingly, the survey findings also demonstrate how accurate
information about better alternatives can help smokers to move away
from cigarettes.
- The vast majority (91%) of adult smokers who have switched to a
better alternative and stopped smoking confirmed that having
accurate information about how these products differ from
cigarettes was an important factor in their decision.
- Of adults who smoke, 63% would be more likely to switch to a
better alternative (such as e-cigarettes or heated tobacco
products) if they had clarity on how these products differ from
cigarettes and the science behind them.
The survey also explores public attitudes toward scientific
studies conducted by manufacturers of smoke-free products. A
majority of adults surveyed (82%) believe their governments have a
responsibility to objectively review and consider scientific
evidence about smoke-free alternative products coming from
manufacturers such as PMI. Additionally, nearly three quarters
(72%) support tobacco companies working with governments,
regulators, and public health experts to ensure that smokers have
access to and accurate information about smoke-free
alternatives.
To review the complete survey findings, visit
PMI.com/informedchoice
Povaddo Survey Methodology
Povaddo conducted this online survey on behalf of PMI between
July 19 and August 3, 2021. The survey was fielded among 29,484
legal-aged adult respondents, drawn from the general population and
aged 21 or older, in 26 countries: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia,
Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, France, Greece, Italy, Japan,
Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,
Romania, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden,
United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United
States.
Philip Morris International: Delivering a Smoke-Free
Future
Philip Morris International (PMI) is leading a transformation in
the tobacco industry to create a smoke-free future and ultimately
replace cigarettes with smoke-free products to the benefit of
adults who would otherwise continue to smoke, society, the company,
its shareholders, and its other stakeholders. PMI is a leading
international tobacco company engaged in the manufacture and sale
of cigarettes, as well as smoke-free products, associated
electronic devices and accessories, and other nicotine-containing
products in markets outside the U.S. In addition, PMI ships
versions of its IQOS Platform 1 device and consumables to Altria
Group, Inc. for sale under license in the U.S., where these
products have received marketing authorizations from the U.S. Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) under the premarket tobacco product
application (PMTA) pathway; the FDA has also authorized the
marketing of a version of IQOS and its consumables as a Modified
Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP), finding that an exposure modification
order for these products is appropriate to promote the public
health. PMI is building a future on a new category of smoke-free
products that, while not risk-free, are a much better choice than
continuing to smoke. Through multidisciplinary capabilities in
product development, state-of-the-art facilities, and scientific
substantiation, PMI aims to ensure that its smoke-free products
meet adult consumer preferences and rigorous regulatory
requirements. PMI’s smoke-free product portfolio includes
heat-not-burn and nicotine-containing vapor products. As of June
30, 2021, PMI’s smoke-free products are available for sale in 67
markets in key cities or nationwide, and PMI estimates that
approximately 14.7 million adults around the world have already
switched to IQOS and stopped smoking. For more information, please
visit www.pmi.com and www.pmiscience.com.
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Philip Morris International David Fraser Philip Morris
International T. +41 (0)79 843 8603 E. David.Fraser@pmi.com
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