This is a statement delivered by the World Heart Federation at the 10th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the WHO FCTC in Panama.
Honourable Chair, Distinguished Delegates,
The World Heart Federation welcomes the latest reports on newer tobacco and nicotine products.
For decades, the tobacco industry has perpetuated the myth that nicotine is as harmless as caffeine. However, evidence shows that nicotine is a highly addictive and toxic substance, even on its own.
A growing body of independent studies has linked both nicotine and newer products, such as heated tobacco products (HTP) and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), to increased risk of cardiovascular disease and other adverse health conditions.
WHF calls upon all Parties and stakeholders to apply the precautionary principle and implement the recommendations outlined in the WHF policy briefs on nicotine and e-cigarettes to safeguard public health, particularly of younger generations, from further harms.
Thank you.
