Majority of People Want Governments to Do More to Reduce Smoking Rates, According to a New Global Survey From PMI

As it continues to advocate for greater transparency, objective examination of the science and open debate in creating the right regulation for smoke-free alternatives, Philip Morris International Inc. (PMI) (NYSE:PM) today released a new white paper titled, “Unsmoke Your Mind: Pragmatic Answers to Tough Questions for a Smoke-Free Future” at a press conference in Davos. Based on an independent survey—commissioned by PMI and conducted by Povaddo among 17,251 adults aged 21-74 across 14 countries—the paper examines public opinions of the regulatory, scientific and corporate landscape as PMI focuses on advancing smoke-free products to replace cigarettes as soon as possible.

The white paper shows a keen public appetite for open science and facts-driven policies regarding smoke-free alternatives to cigarettes. Nearly 9 in 10 respondents (87 percent) agreed that “when developing regulations, governments, regulators and public health bodies should consider the current science relating to e-cigarettes and heat-not-burn tobacco products.” Further underscoring support for scientific substantiation in this category is the fact that 89 percent of respondents agreed that “before introducing e-cigarettes and heat-not-burn tobacco products to consumers, manufacturers must conduct robust scientific assessments on their products.”

“Smoke-free alternatives offer a commonsense approach to public health,” said Jacek Olczak, chief operating officer at PMI. “In a time when trust in governments and organizations is at an all-time low, it is essential to base decision-making on science and facts. For PMI, this research reinforces the importance of transparency in sharing the science behind our smoke-free products, making it open for all, be that governments, regulators, scientists, academics or the general public.”

While it is best to quit tobacco and nicotine altogether or never to start using them, the reality is that there are millions of adult smokers who would otherwise continue smoking in the absence of a better alternative. Science and technology have now created these better alternatives, and these men and women should have access to them. Denying them access to these science-based better products means they will continue to smoke.

As smoke-free alternatives are increasingly in the headlines, the Unsmoke Your Mind white paper explores challenging questions the public has about the role of these products today, specifically addressing the following: