In recent years, heated tobacco products (HTPs) have emerged as a potential alternative for smokers seeking to reduce smoking-related harm while struggling to quit. However, misconceptions surrounding HTPs are prevalent, particularly in countries like Pakistan, leaving many puzzled about the science behind them. To provide adult smokers with accurate information and equip them with the knowledge to make informed choices, it’s essential to debunk the five common myths surrounding HTPs.
Myth 1: Heated tobacco products are just as harmful as regular cigarettes.
Fact: While both cigarettes and heated tobacco devices contain tobacco; the critical difference lies in the method of consumption. When cigarettes undergo combustion they burn at 400 °C, but during a puff, they can flare up even higher, reaching temperatures above 900 °C, resulting in the release of toxic substances. Conversely, HTPs heat tobacco only up to approximately 350°C, preventing the production of harmful substances.
Myth 2: Secondhand exposure to heated tobacco products is just as harmful as secondhand smoke from cigarettes.
Fact: Cigarettes are known to produce secondhand smoke, which poses significant health risks to those exposed. According to the World Health Organization, secondhand smoke can lead to diseases such as lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory infections. HTPs generate an aerosol vapor primarily composed of water, glycerin, and nicotine. This heated tobacco aerosol poses minimal risk to bystanders compared to the harmful chemicals found in secondhand smoke from cigarettes.
Myth 3: Heated tobacco products and cigarettes both have equally strong smells.
Fact: While cigarettes are notorious for their strong and lingering odors caused by the combustion of tobacco, HTPs generate a less noticeable smell. Because HTPs heat tobacco rather than burning it, they emit fewer particles and chemicals that contribute to strong odors. This makes HTPs a more appropriate option for those wishing to satisfy their nicotine cravings without attracting as much attention to themselves or leaving behind a persistent smell on their clothes, furniture, or surroundings.
Myth 4: Heated tobacco products lack scientific, evidence-based validation.
Fact: Over the past decade, several global studies have evaluated the potential risks of HTPs, consistently finding that they produce markedly lower levels of harmful constituents than smoking. Public health bodies in countries like Japan, South Korea, and Italy have also conducted extensive assessments of HTPs, and based on scientific evidence, incorporated these products into their tobacco control policies.
Myth 5: Heated tobacco products do not contain nicotine, unlike regular cigarettes.
Fact: HTPs do indeed contain nicotine. While nicotine is addictive, it is significantly less harmful compared to other substances found in cigarette smoke. Removing nicotine from HTPs would be counterproductive, as most users rely on it for satisfaction. Ensuring the delivery of nicotine while minimizing toxic chemicals found in cigarette smoke is a fundamental principle of harm reduction.
Dispelling these myths is paramount to facilitating informed decision-making among consumers and policymakers regarding heated tobacco products in Pakistan. By acknowledging the evidence-based benefits and addressing misconceptions, we can foster a more refined understanding of heated tobacco products and their potential role in reducing the burden of smoking-related harm in the country.