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 21st 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 mgwright@wakehealth.edu.
