Harm Reduction

Definition: As it relates to tobacco use, harm reduction is a term used to describe the substitution of a nicotine product that is less hazardous than the product the consumer is presently using.

Examples of harm reduction with tobacco products:

• Substituting electronic cigarettes for regular cigarettes.

• Substituting chewing tobacco for regular cigarettes.

Cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 chemical compounds; 200 of which are known to be poisonous, and upwards of 60 have been identified as carcinogens.

• Harmful Chemicals in Cigarettes

While all tobacco/nicotine products are hazardous to human health, practicing harm reduction can help reduce the risk of some smoking-related diseases for the smoker who is not interested in quitting.

That said, the best choice by far is to quit using tobacco in any form, and the tools here at About.com Smoking Cessation are designed to help you do just that.

• Your Quit Smoking Toolbox

• Smoking Cessation Support Forum

Don't sacrifice another day of your precious life to an addiction that will kill you, given the chance.

Quit now.