A 2016 World Health Organization report did not find any evidence to
support claims of lowered risk or health benefits compared to
traditional cigarettes.A 2018 Public Health England report shows
evidence that indicates HTPs may be safer than traditional cigarettes,
but less safe than e-cigarettes.The aerosol contains levels of nicotine
and carcinogens comparable to regular cigarettes.Although heated tobacco
products may be less dangerous than smoking, the Committee on Toxicity
suggests that it would be better for smokers to completely stop.There is
insufficient evidence on the efficacy of such products on quitting
smoking,or possible effects of second-hand exposure.The limited evidence
on air emissions from the use of HTPs indicates that toxic exposure
from these products is greater than that of e-cigarettes.
As early as the 1960s, tobacco companies developed alternative tobacco
products intended to supplement the cigarette market.HTPs were
introduced into the market in 1988, though they were not a commercial
success.There has been a global decline in tobacco consumption, which
has led the industry to invent and market new products like HTPs.Smokers
have reported HTP use to be less satisfying than smoking a
cigarette.The latest generation of heated tobacco products appears to be
the most recent industry attempt to partner with governments and health
advocates, presenting claimed "harm reduction" products as an option to
address the prevalence of tobacco use.Current smoking bans may or may
not apply to heated tobacco products.
