Each May 31st, the World Health Organization declares another “World No Tobacco Day” meant to encourage a full day of abstinence from all forms of tobacco consumption. But this year, some public health officials are wondering if it’s time to change our approach to healthy living. While no one doubts the addictive properties of tobacco, and the negative consequences for all of our health – is it time to stop demonizing an addiction that affects 20 percent of Americans, and think of ways for smokers to give up cigarettes but still have access to nicotine? Michael Siegel of Boston University says its time to consider new options like the e-cigarette, which delivers a safer form of nicotine.
The story you just read is available to read for free because thousands of listeners and readers like you generously support our nonprofit newsroom. Every day, the reporters and producers at The World are hard at work bringing you human-centered news from across the globe. But we can’t do it without you: We need your support to ensure we can continue this work for another year.
When you make a gift of $10 or more a month, we’ll invite you to a virtual behind-the-scenes tour of our newsroom to thank you for being with The World.