We're exploring a topic that has been gaining significant traction in the UK and worldwide: heated tobacco.

Clearly, tobacco cigarette smoking has had its day. Overwhelming evidence proves that smoking tobacco is extremely bad for your health and the environment, as well as being seen as an increasingly anti-social activity. Vaping has had a lot to do with falling adult smoker numbers, but what about heated tobacco? Is this something helpful or a hindrance to smokers and those looking to be healthier?

As a company committed to providing smokers with safer alternatives to traditional cigarettes, we aim to give you a comprehensive understanding of heated tobacco, how it works, its benefits and risks, and why we still believe that vaping is a healthier option.

Heated tobacco, also known as heat-not-burn (HNB) products, is a smoking alternative designed to provide the taste and experience of traditional smoking without actually burning tobacco. Instead of combustion, heated tobacco devices warm the tobacco to a temperature that releases nicotine-containing aerosol, commonly called vapour. This vapour is inhaled by the user, offering a similar experience to smoking but with allegedly fewer harmful chemicals.

The concept is based on the idea that the harmful by-products associated with burning tobacco—namely tar, carbon monoxide, and thousands of other toxic chemicals—can be significantly reduced by avoiding combustion. However, it’s essential to understand that heated tobacco is not without its controversies and debates, which we will explore further in this blog.

Back in January 2018, one of the biggest global tobacco companies, Philip Morris, took out full-page ads and announced that they were giving up on tobacco cigarettes (in the UK, for starters). This made other tobacco companies sit up and pay attention. Some speculated that Philip Morris, the company behind the world-renowned Marlboro brand, has seen the light as far as the dangers of cigarette smoking were concerned. Still, everyone else appeared to decide this was a clever marketing ploy. Looking at the amount of money and research that has gone into heated tobacco, we have to wonder if the latter has more on the mark than the former!

Today, heated tobacco is marketed as a middle-ground solution for smokers who find it challenging to switch to vaping or other nicotine replacement therapies. Popular brands like Philip Morris International’s IQOS and British American Tobacco’s Glo have introduced heated tobacco devices that have garnered a significant following, especially in countries like Japan, South Korea, and, more recently, the UK.

While no nicotine product can be deemed entirely safe, heated tobacco is often marketed with several potential benefits over traditional smoking. Here's a closer look:

Reduced Harmful Chemicals

One of the primary selling points of heated tobacco products is their ability to reduce the number of harmful chemicals inhaled by users. Traditional cigarettes burn tobacco at high temperatures, releasing harmful substances such as tar, carbon monoxide, and thousands of other toxic chemicals. By not involving combustion, heated tobacco devices theoretically generate fewer harmful by-products.

Lower Exposure to Carcinogens

Studies have shown that heated tobacco generates significantly lower levels of carcinogens compared to traditional cigarettes. Carcinogens are substances known to cause cancer, and their reduction presents a compelling reason for smokers to consider switching to heated tobacco products as a less harmful alternative.

Less Odour and Second-Hand Smoke

Heated tobacco products produce less odour compared to traditional cigarettes. This means users can enjoy their sessions without the lingering smell of smoke on their clothes, hair, and surroundings. Additionally, reduced second-hand smoke means decreased exposure for non-smokers, making it a more socially acceptable option in many settings.

Familiar Experience for Smokers

The physicality of using a tobacco stick and the similarity in the inhalation process make heated tobacco a more effortless switch for traditional smokers compared to vaping or other nicotine replacement therapies. The experience is closer to conventional smoking, providing a sense of satisfaction that some smokers find hard to replicate with e-cigarettes.

Potential to Aid Smoking Cessation

Although further research is required, initial studies suggest that heated tobacco products can serve as a stepping stone for smokers intending to quit traditional cigarettes. By offering a less harmful alternative that still satisfies nicotine cravings, some users may find it easier to eventually wean themselves off nicotine entirely.

While heated tobacco products offer some advantages over traditional smoking, they are not without risks. It's crucial to be aware of these when considering a switch:

Presence of Harmful Chemicals

Although heated tobacco products produce fewer harmful chemicals than combusted cigarettes, they are not entirely free from them. Substances are still present in the vapour and pose health risks. Nicotine itself is a highly addictive substance and has various adverse health effects, particularly on cardiovascular health.

Health Risks

Despite the reduced levels of harmful chemicals, users are still exposed to respiratory and cardiovascular risks. The long-term effects of inhaling heated tobacco vapour are not yet fully understood, and there is still a potential risk for developing chronic illnesses like heart disease, stroke, and respiratory conditions.

Youth and Non-Smokers

There is growing concern that heated tobacco products might appeal to youth and non-smokers, potentially leading to nicotine addiction among populations that might not have otherwise started using nicotine products. Marketing and accessibility must be carefully managed to prevent unintended use by these groups.

Incomplete Research

Current research on heated tobacco products is less comprehensive than studies on traditional smoking and vaping. Many studies are industry-funded, prompting questions about potential bias. Independent, long-term research is needed to fully understand the risks and benefits of using heated tobacco.

As a UK vaping company, we would be remiss not to highlight why we believe vaping stands as the healthier option compared to heated tobacco.

Here are just some of the reasons supporting this:

Lower Levels of Harmful Chemicals

Public Health England and other reputable organisations have noted that vaping is around 95% less harmful than smoking traditional cigarettes. E-liquids used in vaping devices typically contain fewer harmful chemicals than heated tobacco products. When vapourised, the e-liquid generates fewer toxic substances, further reducing the health risks associated with nicotine consumption.

No Combustion or Tobacco

Vaping involves the vapourisation of e-liquids, which do not contain tobacco. This means there is no combustion process, eliminating the primary source of harmful chemicals found in smoking and potentially in heated tobacco. The absence of tobacco itself reduces the risk of many tobacco-related health issues.

Variety and Customization

One of the standout features of vaping is the broad range of e-liquid flavours and nicotine strengths available. This allows users to tailor their vaping experience to their preferences, potentially aiding in smoking cessation. Gradually reducing nicotine levels can make quitting more manageable, an option not often available with heated tobacco products.

Improved Respiratory Health

Preliminary studies and user testimonials indicate that switching from smoking to vaping improves respiratory health. Users who make the switch have reported reduced coughing, better lung capacity, and overall improved breathing.

Better Regulation and Safety Standards

The vaping industry, particularly in the UK, is subject to strict regulations ensuring product safety and quality. The Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 (TRPR) set rigorous standards for e-liquids and devices, safeguarding consumers from substandard products. This level of regulation helps ensure that vapers have access to safer alternatives.

Public Health Endorsements

Organisations like Public Health England and the Royal College of Physicians have endorsed vaping as a less harmful alternative to smoking. These endorsements are based on extensive research and analysis, providing a level of confidence for those considering vaping as a harm-reduction strategy.

Environmental Considerations

Vaping devices are often reusable, requiring only occasional replacement of coils, pods, or cartridges. This reduced waste generation contrasts with the single-use design of tobacco sticks used in heated tobacco devices, where frequent disposal is necessary. While there is an argument that disposable vapes have the same issues, the environmental footprint of vaping can be lower if managed responsibly.

When it comes to safer alternatives to traditional smoking, both heated tobacco and vaping have emerged as prominent contenders. While heated tobacco offers several benefits over traditional cigarettes, including the reduction of many harmful chemicals and a more familiar experience for smokers, it is not without risks. The presence of toxic chemicals, health risks, and incomplete long-term research are factors that need careful consideration.

However, when it comes to the overall health profile, vaping stands out as the healthier option. Lower levels of harmful chemicals, the absence of combustion, and the ability to customise the nicotine experience make vaping a compelling choice for smokers looking to reduce harm. Rigorous regulation, improved respiratory health, and endorsements from public health organisations further support the case for vaping.

As a UK vaping company, Go Smoke Free is committed to providing accurate, reliable information to help you make informed decisions about your smoking alternatives. Whether you're considering heated tobacco or vaping, understanding the benefits and risks is crucial. Always prioritise your health and well-being, and choose the option that best aligns with your goals towards a smoke-free life. Happy vaping!