Expert available on potential public health benefits of a low nicotine product standard

JAMA recently republished a 1928 article about de-nicotinized tobacco and the potential impact on people struggling to reduce their smoking. Nearly a century later, and despite significant declines over the past several decades, smoking remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, disproportionately affecting many marginalized and disadvantaged populations.

In response, a Wake Forest University School of Medicine team, led by Rachel Denlinger-Apte, Ph.D., M.P.H., assistant professor of social sciences and health policy, has published a commentary in JAMA on the potential public health benefits of a low nicotine product standard for cigarettes.

According to Denlinger-Apte, the FDA has an opportunity to implement a low nicotine product standard, which could be the most significant tobacco control policy of the 21^st century. Separating the harmful effects of smoking from nicotine delivery is an overdue opportunity to slash smoking-related death and disease and promote major public health gains.

To interview Denlinger-Apte, please contact Myra Wright at [email protected].