Heated tobacco, originally introduced by Philip Morris under the IQOS brand, has quickly gained traction in the tobacco market. This alternative product, marketed as a safer option to traditional cigarettes, is especially popular among young people. But does it live up to its promises of reduced harm? As more research emerges, it’s clear that while heated tobacco products may appear less risky at first glance, there are significant dangers to consider. Below, we’ll dive into what studies say about the risks of heated tobacco, providing a comprehensive analysis for those weighing the switch from cigarettes or vaping.
What is Heated Tobacco?
Heated tobacco, or "heat-not-burn" products, heat tobacco to lower temperatures than conventional cigarettes—usually between 240–350 degrees Celsius. The goal is to release nicotine and flavors without combustion, thereby producing an aerosol rather than smoke. However, despite the claims of reduced toxins, these products still expose users to harmful chemicals.
How Heated Tobacco Entered the Market
Heated tobacco devices are not a new invention. In 1988, Philip Morris launched the first attempt at a non-combustible cigarette with the Premier brand. While these early products did not succeed, the groundwork was laid for future innovations like IQOS, which officially launched in 2014. Today, the heated tobacco market is growing rapidly, with the IQOS device becoming the most recognized brand. As of 2020, Philip Morris claimed to have over 18 million users worldwide, a number that continues to rise.
Heated Tobacco Gained Popularity Starting in 2014
The release of IQOS was a turning point for the tobacco industry, which had been struggling with declining cigarette sales due to health-conscious consumers and anti-smoking campaigns. Heated tobacco products promised a way for smokers to satisfy their cravings while allegedly reducing their exposure to harmful substances. However, despite the industry's marketing, heated tobacco still poses health risks, and many are unaware of the potential dangers.
What Are the Risks of Heated Tobacco Products?
According to IQOS’s marketing materials, the product reduces exposure to harmful substances by 95%, excluding nicotine. However, the company admits that this does not equate to a 95% reduction in health risks. This discrepancy has led to significant debate in both scientific and regulatory circles about the true risks of heated tobacco.
What Studies Say About Heated Tobacco Smoking
To understand the health risks, it’s essential to look at both industry-sponsored research and independent studies. Studies funded by the tobacco industry often highlight the reduced number of harmful chemicals in heated tobacco aerosols compared to cigarette smoke. However, independent studies have painted a more concerning picture.
Cellular Damage and Inflammation
A 2018 study funded by Philip Morris examined the impact of heated tobacco aerosols on human lung cells. While the damage was less severe than that caused by cigarette smoke, cellular changes still occurred, raising concerns about long-term use.
In contrast, an independent 2019 study from Australia found that heated tobacco aerosols caused similar cellular changes in respiratory cells as cigarette smoke. This study, conducted in vitro, demonstrated that both cigarette smoke and heated tobacco aerosols could cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and cellular dysfunction.
Increased Respiratory Infections
The same study also revealed that heated tobacco devices could increase the risk of respiratory infections by causing oxidative stress at the cellular level. This stress leads to cellular dysfunction, potentially making users more susceptible to illnesses, particularly those that affect the respiratory system.
Heated Tobacco and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT)
A separate study found that heated tobacco aerosols could trigger a process known as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a cellular phenomenon where epithelial cells lose their polarity and adhesion, gaining migratory and invasive properties. This transition is often linked to cancer metastasis, highlighting a potential long-term risk of heated tobacco use.
Heated Tobacco Causes Cellular Damage – Independent U.S. Study, 2018
This U.S.-based study investigated the effects of heated tobacco aerosols on human bronchial epithelial cells. Compared to air, the aerosols caused significant damage to the cells, although the effects were less severe than those caused by cigarette smoke. Nevertheless, the study highlighted the potential for cellular toxicity from prolonged exposure to heated tobacco.
Acute Eosinophilic Pneumonia: Two Documented Cases
In rare instances, heated tobacco use has been associated with acute eosinophilic pneumonia, a serious lung condition. Japanese scientists reported two cases of this disease in users of IQOS devices. One involved a 20-year-old man who had been smoking 20 heated tobacco sticks daily for six months, while the second case involved a 16-year-old asthmatic who experienced severe respiratory distress after just two weeks of using heated tobacco products.
Increased Risk of Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis
A study conducted in Korea also found correlations between heated tobacco consumption and an increased risk of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis. These conditions, while typically manageable, could worsen with prolonged use of heated tobacco, particularly in individuals already predisposed to immune system complications.
Secondhand Smoke from Heated Tobacco
Contrary to what some might believe, secondhand exposure to heated tobacco aerosols is still a concern. Several studies report symptoms such as throat pain, eye irritation, and general discomfort among individuals exposed to heated tobacco aerosols in enclosed spaces. While long-term data is still lacking, it’s clear that secondhand exposure to heated tobacco poses health risks, especially for vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.
The European Commission has even recommended banning heated tobacco devices in outdoor public spaces, similar to regulations for traditional cigarettes. However, enforcement of these recommendations is left to individual EU member states.
UK Government Review on E-Cigarettes and Heated Tobacco: Key Insights
A 2018 report published by Public Health England, titled Evidence Review of E-Cigarettes and Heated Tobacco Products, provides a comprehensive analysis of the health implications associated with the use of heated tobacco products and e-cigarettes. The review covers data from various studies, including both independent research and industry-sponsored studies, to assess the risks and benefits of these alternative smoking products.
One of the key findings from the report is that heated tobacco products still carry significant health risks, though these risks are likely to be lower than those of conventional cigarettes. However, the review stresses that more independent studies are needed to fully understand the long-term health impacts. While heated tobacco products release fewer harmful chemicals than traditional cigarettes, they still produce substances that can cause respiratory and cardiovascular harm.
The report also emphasizes that heated tobacco products are not risk-free and should not be seen as a safe alternative to smoking. As with traditional smoking, the best way to protect your health is to avoid smoking entirely.
This review serves as an important resource for public health professionals and consumers alike, offering a clearer understanding of the potential risks associated with these emerging products.
Study on Heated Tobacco's Long-Term Effects on the Brain: Implications for Alzheimer's Disease
A recent study, The Long-Term Effects of Heated Tobacco Product Exposure on the Central Nervous System in a Mouse Model of Prodromal Alzheimer's Disease, published in Scientific Reports, explores the potential neurological impact of heated tobacco product (HTP) exposure over an extended period. This study focused specifically on a mouse model of prodromal Alzheimer’s disease, a stage before the full onset of the disease.
The research revealed that chronic exposure to heated tobacco products can accelerate cognitive decline and negatively affect the central nervous system. The mice exposed to heated tobacco aerosols exhibited increased neuroinflammation, which is a key factor in the development of Alzheimer's disease. Moreover, the study observed changes in gene expression and brain structure, raising concerns about the long-term risks of heated tobacco use, particularly in individuals who may be at higher risk for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
While these findings are specific to a mouse model, they highlight the potential risks of heated tobacco use on human brain health, especially for those with pre-existing vulnerabilities. This study reinforces the growing concern that heated tobacco products are not a "safe" alternative to smoking, and further research is necessary to determine the long-term effects on human cognitive health.
The Issue with Heated Tobacco Products
One of the biggest concerns about heated tobacco products is their aggressive marketing toward younger audiences. Glossy ads and sleek designs appeal to a demographic that might never have considered smoking traditional cigarettes. Many young people using these products are "dual users," smoking both traditional cigarettes and heated tobacco devices, further increasing their risk of health complications.
Additionally, a significant number of heated tobacco users have never smoked before. These individuals are being introduced to nicotine addiction through a product marketed as a safer alternative, despite a lack of definitive proof that heated tobacco is indeed safer.
Example of How Ads Target Young Consumers
Imagine a vibrant ad featuring a young professional in a stylish setting, using an IQOS device as part of their daily routine. The imagery conveys a sense of sophistication and modernity, which appeals to millennials and Gen Z. The fine print might state, “This product is not risk-free,” but the message conveyed by the imagery is much more powerful.
Are "Heat-not-Burn" Cigarettes Less Risky Than Traditional Ones?
The short answer is that we don’t know. While some studies show reduced levels of harmful chemicals in heated tobacco aerosols, this doesn’t necessarily translate into reduced health risks. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed scepticism about the safety of heated tobacco products, stating:
"Currently, there is no evidence to demonstrate that heated tobacco products are less harmful than conventional tobacco products. Heated tobacco products contain chemicals that are not found in cigarette smoke and may have adverse health effects."
The WHO also notes that while heated tobacco products may reduce exposure to some harmful substances, this reduction does not mean that the products are safe or that they lower the risk of smoking-related diseases.
Table: Summary of Independent Research Findings
| Study | Conclusion | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Heated Tobacco Causes Cellular Damage – U.S. Study, 2018 | Heated tobacco aerosols cause damage to human bronchial cells. | Link |
| Acute Eosinophilic Pneumonia Cases – Japan, 2020 | Heated tobacco linked to acute eosinophilic pneumonia in two cases. | Link |
| Oxidative Stress and Cellular Dysfunction – Australia Study, 2019 | Heated tobacco aerosols cause oxidative stress and cellular dysfunction. | Link |
| Increased Risk of Asthma – Korea Study, 2020 | Heated tobacco linked to asthma and allergic rhinitis. | Link |
FAQs on Heated Tobacco
1. Is heated tobacco safer than regular cigarettes?
No definitive evidence supports the claim that heated tobacco is safer than traditional cigarettes. While it may reduce exposure to some harmful substances, it still carries significant health risks.
2. Does heated tobacco produce secondhand smoke?
Yes, heated tobacco produces secondhand aerosols, which contain harmful chemicals. These can irritate the respiratory system and may cause other health issues, especially in vulnerable individuals.
3. Can heated tobacco cause cancer?
There is no conclusive evidence yet, but studies show that heated tobacco can cause cellular changes that may increase cancer risk over time.
4. Is heated tobacco less addictive than regular cigarettes?
Heated tobacco still delivers nicotine, the addictive substance found in traditional cigarettes. Therefore, it is just as addictive as smoking.
5. Can heated tobacco help me quit smoking?
Some users have switched from cigarettes to heated tobacco, but there is no evidence that heated tobacco products are effective for quitting smoking. If you want to quit, it’s best to seek medical advice and support.
Conclusion
Heated tobacco products like IQOS may seem like a safer alternative to traditional smoking, but the evidence suggests otherwise. While they may reduce exposure to some harmful chemicals, they still pose significant health risks, including respiratory issues, cellular damage, and potential cancer development. For those seeking to quit smoking, heated tobacco is not the answer. Instead, we recommend seeking professional help and considering alternative smoking cessation methods. After all, there’s no safe way to smoke—except not smoking at all.
If you enjoyed this article, please consider reading our other blog post, Bad Habits. Time for a Change, and don’t forget to watch our YouTube video, The Power of Habits - How to Cut Bad Habits.
