January 22, 2026 NCHR Comment to FDA: Dr. Akashleena Mallek told FDA we disagree that ZYN nicotine pouches are less dangerous than smoking. ZYN has never been tested in long-term studies to determine its impact on cancer, heart disease, and other serious diseases. It is especially harmful because it is marketed to children and teen non-smokers, creating an epidemic of nicotine addiction similar to the vaping epidemic among children a few years ago.
Read More »Lung Diseases
Palliative Care for Serious Diseases
Palliative care is often misunderstood as meaning a patient will not get “real treatment.” That is not accurate. Instead, palliative care offers a different type of treatment. Rather than focusing on curing a disease and exposing patients to aggressive treatment and therapy, palliative care focuses on improving the quality of life and relieving patients’ pain. Many patients receive both palliative and curative care at the same time, and benefit from the combination of treatment types.
Read More »Thousands of Deaths Linked to Weak US Air Pollution Rules
Studies show that dirty air kills thousands of Americans each year. Our current air pollution rules are too weak to protect people, especially in poorer communities. The research also shows that Black and low-income communities are especially at risk, highlighting the need for stricter pollution rules to protect public health.
Read More »NCHR Comments on FDA’s Notice on the Modified Risk Tobacco Product Application for Copenhagen Snuff Fine Cut
January 21, 2020. We strongly oppose the approval of the modified risk application for Copenhagen Snuff Fine Cut with the claim “IF YOU SMOKE, CONSIDER THIS: Switching completely to this product from cigarettes reduces risk of lung cancer.” This claim may encourage non-smokers to begin using tobacco. Using smokeless tobacco increases the risk of serious health issues.
Read More »Third-Hand Smoke
Third-hand smoke is the residue from cigarette smoke that stays on just about every surface exposed to that smoke. The smoke residue clings to hair and fabrics, including clothing, carpets, drapes, and furniture upholstery, and it can cause serious health problems.
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