Heated tobacco products (HTPs) are harmful to health, just like ordinary cigarettes. This is the outcome of doctoral research carried out by Michele Davigo (RIVM and Maastricht University). Although the long-term effects are not yet entirely clear, the research demonstrates that heated tobacco products are harmful to health in the short term. This makes heated tobacco products unsuitable as a safe alternative to smoking. Like the use of ordinary cigarettes, their use should therefore be strongly discouraged.
Heated tobacco products work by insertion of a stick of tobacco into a device that is then heated. The user inhales the substances released in this way.
The researchers analysed 74 independent scientific studies published between 2019 and 2024. They looked at the substances released during the use of heated tobacco products and their effects on the human heart, blood vessels and lungs. The research outcomes were recently published in the scientific journal Inhalation Toxicology. In addition, the researchers conducted a number of their own tests to gain a better insight into the effects of these products on the respiratory system and the lungs.
Hazardous substances remain present
The research shows that the smoke produced by heated tobacco products contains lower quantities of some known hazardous substances (such as nicotine) than cigarette smoke. Nevertheless, users are still exposed to toxic and carcinogenic substances. Some substances are even present in larger quantities than in ordinary cigarettes. The researchers also found specific hazardous substances caused by heating and by plastic components of the products that are not encountered in ordinary cigarette smoke.
Effects on the heart and lungs
People who use heated tobacco products undergo changes inside their body. Among other things, the products have negative effects on a person’s blood pressure, heart rate and blood vessel elasticity. The functioning of the lungs is also affected, for instance as a consequence of increased resistance in the respiratory system. Although these effects are less pronounced than in smokers, they are clearly worse than in people who do not use heated tobacco products. Like the use of ordinary cigarettes, their use should therefore be strongly discouraged.