Introduction to the Report: No Smoke, Less Harm

The severe negative impacts of tobacco use on societal health make the global development of innovative strategies to address these consequences crucial. In tobacco harm reduction, Sweden is a paradigm of success. This report examines the “No Smoke, Less Harm” approach by reviewing Sweden’s use of smoke-free alternatives and their contribution to Sweden’s improved health compared to other European countries.

Sweden’s dramatically reduced rate of tobacco-related diseases and deaths and 41% lower cancer rate than the European average are in stark contrast to the persistently higher rates experienced by the rest of Europe.

Key to this is the fact that a mere 5.6% of Swedish adults are smokers (49% less than 60 years ago) owing to the increased use of safer, smokeless nicotine delivery mechanisms (which include snus, vapes and oral nicotine pouches).

This report lays the groundwork for a broader discussion of how Sweden’s public health strategies and regulatory frameworks contributed to building a healthier society. It explores the evidence and case studies supporting Sweden’s approach to nicotine use and tobacco harm reduction. The report states that the rest of the world has plenty to gain by emulating Sweden and its successful approach to tobacco harm reduction.

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