What is ATHRA?

The Australian Tobacco Harm Reduction Association (ATHRA) is a registered health promotion charity established to reduce the harm from tobacco smoking in Australia. ATHRA was formed in October 2017 by four independent Australian medical practitioners.

The best way to reduce the harm from smoking is to quit altogether. However, for smokers who are unable or unwilling to quit, switching to a reduced-risk alternative can be lifesaving. These include e-cigarettes, snus and heat-not-burn products.

All these products deliver nicotine without smoke. E-cigarettes heat a nicotine liquid into a vapour which is inhaled. Heat-not-burn products heat tobacco without combustion to release a tobacco flavoured vapour. Swedish snus is a low-risk oral tobacco product which delivers nicotine through the lining of the mouth.

ATHRA strongly discourages the use of these products by non-smokers or minors.

Compared to smoking, these products reduce the risk of death and disease and can lead to substantial health improvements. This is known as tobacco harm reduction.

Research has shown that the public is confused and misinformed about tobacco harm reduction aids. Our aim is to provide smokers and health professionals with evidence-based information so smokers can make informed decisions. What are the risks? Are they effective? Are they legal? Where do I get the products? How do I use them? Where do I get more information?

The broader aim of ATHRA is to encourage complete cessation of tobacco smoking in Australia by providing information and support to help smokers who wish to quit. The full objectives of ATHRA are listed here.

We also invite you to become a supporter of ATHRA. We will keep you informed with regular eNewsletters on our activities and news about vaping. There is no fee to be a supporter and your details are confidential. Click here to become a supporter.

ABN 72 6222 11223 

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