While usage of heated tobacco products (HTPs) is trending among the youth, it is a matter of concern, according to experts. The heated tobacco in fancy devices taking over the traditional cigarette is no less harmful, say experts, adding that the tobacco industry has been finding new ways to market nicotine, and HTPs are one of its latest products.
Heated tobacco products (HTPs) are electronic devices that heat tobacco at a lower temperature than conventional cigarettes to prevent full combustion. They also contain nicotine and flavouring agents that are highly addictive. Reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest that there is no scientific evidence for HTPs helping smokers quit.
Speaking to Happiest Health, Dr US Vishal Rao, director, head and neck oncology, HCG Cancer Centre, Bengaluru, said that HTPs contain tobacco and nicotine, both addictive substances which are as harmful as cigarettes or e-cigarettes. “The purpose of all three are the same and so is the damage to the body. The tobacco industry has been very vigilant about understanding consumer behaviour. The youth are also attracted to the new designs as they do not want to hold the conventional cigarettes,” he said.
HTPs are addictive and harmful
“Though HTPs eliminate some factors through heating tobacco instead of burning, it still contains nicotine and other harmful chemicals. These chemicals are harmful and will affect one’s health,” says Dr Shivani Swami, consultant, pulmonology, allergy and sleep medicine, Narayana Multispeciality Hospital, Jaipur.
According to Dr Rao, tobacco products have been engineered to deliver nicotine to an optimal level that drives addiction, which is crucial in maintaining a long-term customer. “Once the users are on nicotine, the urge for the next cigarette comes up quickly, thereby making an individual a long-term addict,” says Dr Rao.
He blames the tobacco industry which comes up with new ways to introduce tobacco and nicotine, targeting the youth.
Dr Swami says that the only difference HTPs make is by reducing carbon monoxide and sulphur dioxide that is created by burning any object.
“HTPs still have nicotine and a lot of other chemical components as the traditional cigarettes. This causes serious health concerns such as cancer, COPD, asthma and allergic rhinitis,” says Dr Swami, adding that besides affecting the heart and brain, toxins present in HTPs will also cause cancers in the mouth, lungs and kidneys.
A systematic review published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health in 2019 stated that HTP usage is involved in damage related to the development of pulmonary conditions and raised a concern to address these devices as an emerging public health problem that needs regulation.
E-cigarettes versus HTPs
Dr Rao says, “E-cigarettes contain liquid nicotine which is vapourised at the time of inhalation while HTPs contain solid compressed tobacco along with nicotine which is heated inside the device at a certain level (below 350 degree Celsius).”
How do HTPs work?
According to Dr Swamy, tobacco is heated inside a metallic device in case of HTPs. Apart from the tobacco content, toxins from the metal are also heated, released and inhaled, which have harmful effects. While cigarettes contain tar for combustion, the same is eliminated in HTPs. However, toxins from the metal are inhaled when using such devices, she said.
HTPs also are available in different fragrances. Talking about the role of flavouring chemicals, Dr Rao said that a wide range of variety and choices are provided for the consumers. “Although flavouring chemicals are not addictive in nature, they add to the addictive substance such as nicotine, thereby making people crave for it,” he adds.
Dr Swami says that different countries have different policies about HTP consumption. While certain countries have approved them as a measure for citizens to quit smoking tobacco, other countries haven’t, as its not scientifically proven to help. “The policies are not clear and require more regulation. Whether it helps in quitting smoking or not, HTPs will still affect one’s health and the presence of nicotine can make them addictive as well,” she said.
Takeaways
- Unlike traditional cigarettes, HTPs contain compressed tobacco which is heated to a certain level (below 350 degree Celsius).
- HTPs are no less harmful than cigarettes or cigars and causes the same amount of damage to the body.
- HTPs contain nicotine (a highly addictive substance) along with other chemicals that cause serious health concerns.
- Although HTPs reduce carbon monoxide and don’t contain tar, toxins from the metal are inhaled when using such devices.
