Heated tobacco products, also called heated tobacco products (HTPs), are harmful to health just like regular cigarettes. This is shown by doctoral research by Michele Davigo (RIVM and Maastricht University). Although the long-term effects are not yet fully known, this research shows that heated tobacco products are harmful to health in the short term. Therefore, heated tobacco products are not a safe alternative to smoking. The use of these products should be strongly discouraged, just like regular cigarettes.

Heated tobacco products involve placing a tobacco stick into a device where it is heated. The user inhales the substances produced in this way.

The researchers analyzed 74 independent scientific studies published between 2019 and 2024. They examined which substances are released when using heated tobacco and what the effects are on the heart, blood vessels, and lungs. The study results were recently published in the scientific journal Inhalation Toxicology. Additionally, the scientists conducted several studies themselves to better map the effects of these products on the airways and lungs.

Harmful substances remain present

The research shows that the smoke from heated tobacco products contains lower amounts of some known harmful substances (such as nicotine) than cigarette smoke. At the same time, users are still exposed to toxic and carcinogenic substances. Some substances even occur in higher amounts than in regular cigarettes. Specific harmful substances were also found that arise from heating and from plastic parts in the product, which do not occur in the smoke of regular cigarettes.

Effects on heart and lungs

People who use heated tobacco products show changes in their bodies. There are adverse effects on blood pressure, heart rate, and the elasticity of blood vessels. Lung function is also affected, for example by increased airway resistance. These effects are less severe than in smokers but clearly worse than in non-users. Therefore, the use of these products should be strongly discouraged, just like regular cigarettes.