Scientific evidence on the negative effects of tobacco on human health is irrefutable and unequivocal: tobacco is one of the leading preventable causes of death worldwide. Over the last 20 years, much progress has been made in the fight against smoking, mainly with implementation of health policies which have resulted in a significant decrease in the consumption of traditional tobacco products, especially cigarettes. At the same time, the development of new tobacco and nicotine products has been important and these products invade the market today. Heated cigarettes or heated tobacco are part of this group. The first model was marketed in the 80’s, without much success, and the same happened with a few more during the following years. However, since 2014, new models have been gaining popularity and conquered users around the world. What are heated tobacco products? Cigarettes or heated tobacco are devices that contain tobacco , just like traditional cigarettes. The main difference is that instead of being burned, as in traditional cigarettes, the tobacco is heated using a battery forming an aerosol that is inhaled by users. This aerosol from heated tobacco products contains nicotine - a highly addictive substance responsible for dependence , as well as additives and flavorings. Are heated tobacco products the same as e-cigarettes? No. Both belong to the group of new tobacco products, but they are different things. Electronic cigarettes do not contain tobacco, but rather a liquid that typically includes nicotine, flavorings and other ingredients and which is heated. Are heated tobacco products safer than traditional cigarettes? The tobacco industry claims there is a 90%-95% reduction in the quantity of harmful substances in heated tobacco products. However, the relationship between exposure to harmful substances and health effects is complex and even lower exposure does not necessarily result in less risk for people and can lead to significant illness. To date, there is no evidence that heated tobacco products are safer than traditional cigarettes. Heated tobacco aerosol contains harmful compounds similar to those found in traditional cigarette smoke , many of which have known carcinogenic properties. In addition, independent studies have identified more than 20 toxic chemical compounds in heated tobacco products in greater quantities than in traditional cigarettes. They also identified other substances which do not exist in conventional cigarettes, and which are potentially toxic. What are the health consequences related to consuming heated tobacco products? The long-term health effects of consuming heated tobacco products are not yet known. This is expected due to their still short history of use. However, there is already evidence that heated tobacco products cause addiction and short-term health consequences , including: Increased heart rate and blood pressure, with possible damage to the heart and possible damage to the liver. There is also concern about lung damage with the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. Some studies have also shown that there is no improvement in lung function or lung inflammation in smokers who switch from traditional cigarettes to heated tobacco. It is also reported that nicotine delivered in the aerosol of heated tobacco products negatively affects fertility and brain development in adolescents and young adults. Is passive exposure to heated tobacco products safe? There is sufficient evidence regarding emissions of harmful and potentially harmful compounds from heated tobacco products to suggest that second-hand exposure to these particles is harmful. In the case of children, this exposure can be even more harmful, as they are particularly susceptible to the effects of secondhand smoke. This message must be clearly transmitted to parents and caregivers of children, in order to reinforce conscientious attitudes towards their protection. Are there other concerns related to heated tobacco products? The use of heated tobacco products allows to imitate the behavior of traditional cigarette smokers. Therefore, the risk of traditional cigarette smokers switching their consumption to these new products, instead of trying to quit smoking, is real. As they are presented with a more attractive appearance and potentially less harmful to health, these new forms of tobacco and nicotine consumption contribute to “normalize” consumption and “tragically” offer a temptation for non-smokers and children and adolescents to start their smoking habits, often at an earlier age. The best way to protect human health against the effects of tobacco is not to consume any form of tobacco – traditional or new tobacco products – countering the initiation or stop smoking , for which specialized medical support exists. Do you want to stop smoking? Don't stop seeking help. Talk to your doctor or other healthcare professional. Behavioral support techniques and medications are currently available to reduce the symptoms associated with nicotine withdrawal and significantly increase the success of the smoking cessation process. Author: Cristina Braço Forte The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
