70% of Policy Experts Continue to Misidentify Nicotine As Primary Cause of Smoking-Related Disease - Buy Online

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70% of Policy Experts Continue to Misidentify Nicotine As Primary Cause of Smoking-Related Disease

October 6, 2025

British American Tobacco (BAT) released findings from a 2024-2025 Kantar survey across 15 markets, revealing that 70% of 450 policy experts still misidentify nicotine as the primary cause of smoking-related diseases, despite scientific consensus that harm stems from combustion.

The study, which also included 600 medical professionals and 6,000 nicotine users aware of smokeless products, highlights gaps: only 21% of medics feel informed to recommend alternatives like vapour or oral pouches, while 65% of experts favor stricter regulations on these versus cigarettes, hindering Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR).

Oral nicotine pouches score highest in perceived harm reduction (~80% favorable in Sweden), with regional variances—e.g., improving views in Japan/Pakistan but setbacks in Australia/New Zealand due to regs. Released ahead of the Global Tobacco and Nicotine Forum in Brussels, the data underscores BAT's push for science-based policy to accelerate the shift to smokeless options.

BAT Chief Corporate Officer Kingsley Wheaton stated: “This survey shows that while change is possible... we must go further and faster and equip those making decisions with the latest scientific evidence about smokeless products. We remain committed to working with public health authorities, regulators and scientists to ensure accurate information reaches consumers.”

Source: https://www.bat.com/media/press-releases/_2025/oct...