Exploring Safer Smoke-Free Alternatives to Conventional Cigarettes for a Healthier Tomorrow

Summary Tobacco cigarette smoking continues to be the global leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Despite the awareness of its grave consequences, smokers find it extremely challenging to quit the addiction. A human-centric approach is crucial to fight against tobacco harm. Eventually, the global landscape of smoke-free alternative tobacco products like tobacco heating systems, electronic cigarettes, nicotine pouches and snus have significantly evolved. Unlike conventional cigarettes, these products except snus and nicotine pouches utilize heating instead of combustion, generating a less toxic aerosol. This mitigates the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, cardiovascular and periodontal diseases. This review article elaborates the effectiveness, benefits and potential harm reduction of smoke-free alternative tobacco products associated with smoking cessation, biomarkers of exposure and health-related diseases in comparison to tobacco cigarettes. The controversial debate and related concerns of abuse liability and addiction among youth by smoke-free alternative products is explored. Creating awareness and management through better regulatory policies is crucial.