Is it true that smoking a pipe is less harmful to health than cigarette smoking? As an aside, I have a friend who is an actuary with one of the large insurance companies, responsible for crunching statistics on life expectancy for varying lifestyles, to help them assess insurance risks, and therefore set the premiums we pay. He says that it can be demonstrated that pipe smokers can live longer than non-smokers, because the relaxed attitude that the pipe smokers have as they live in peace with their pipe reduces stress levels to an extent that counteracts the harmful effects of the tobacco. He says that these are closely guarded statistics, because the medical profession would be very upset if anyone promoted the idea that taking up the pipe could make you live longer
no it is not true.i smoked a pipe until aged 58 and after a chest complaint i had the usual smokers tests and was informed by a consultant the results were identical ta cigarette smoker.