Kwak Yeon-soo is a digital editor at The Korea Times creating, editing and curating digital content for the newspaper’s website, mobile app and social media. She previously covered a diverse array of cultural, political and business topics.
'Smoke-free cigarettes improve human relations'
By Kwak Yeon-soo
Philip Morris International logo
By Kwak Yeon-soo
Almost half of former smokers who have switched to smoke-free alternatives reported improved relationships with family and friends, according to a survey conducted by Philip Morris International (PMI).
On Wednesday, the cigarette company released a white paper titled “Unsmoke: Clearing the Way for Change” based on findings from a major international study conducted for the company, by independent research firm Povaddo.
The survey, which was conducted in 13 countries among adults aged 21 to 74, forms the basis of the paper's exploration around two core themes: the impact of smoking on personal relationships and the lack of information available on smoke-free products.
The survey revealed that switching to smoke-free alternatives from cigarettes ― which the company refers to as “unsmoking” ― could have a positive impact on people's social lives, according to PMI.
About 45 percent of respondents reported that their social lives have improved as a result of switching to smoke-free alternatives.
“There is currently a tremendous amount of misinformation circulating about smoke-free products, and this is causing confusion. It is one of the biggest hurdles the world faces in becoming smoke-free,” said Jacek Olczak, chief operating officer at PMI.
“The reality is there are better options available to adult smokers who don't quit. There urgently needs to be a new global conversation―based on scientific research and facts―about these alternatives.”