Tobacco Asia

34 tobaccoasia Issue 4, 2025 July / August By Thomas Schmid The debate surrounding heated tobacco products (HTP) continues to smolder in the public health and regulatory arenas. Often promoted by tobacco companies as reduced-risk products (RRP), these devices have met with skepticism from anti-smoking advocates and policymakers. Critics argue that industry-funded research lacks impartiality and may downplay potential dan- gers. However, it is less frequently acknowledged that the body of peer-reviewed, independently conducted studies, while cautious, frequently echoes the industry's central assertion that HTP are significantly less harmful than combustible cigarettes. Though not completely risk-free (and even industry-funded studies routinely point this out!), HTP may represent a pragmatic avenue for harm reduction—especially for current smokers unable or unwilling to quit. 1 Public Health England (PHE): Systematic Review of Evidence A systematic review commissioned by Public Health England (PHE) critically evaluated 20 stud- ies on HTP, focusing on emissions, nicotine delivery, and environmental effects. While 12 of the studies had some degree of industry backing, seven were funded independently. PHE acknowl- edged that industry studies tended to interpret results in more favorable terms, underscoring the need for greater objectivity. Lower harm… but not no harm Despite variance in methodology, independent studies within the review consistently reported that HTP emitted lower levels of harmful and potentially harmful compounds (HPHC) than ciga- rettes. That said, levels often exceeded those found in e-cigarettes, placing HTP in an intermedi- ate tier of risk. Furthermore, environmental emissions from HTP, though lower than cigarette smoke, were not negligible, contradicting some manufacturer claims. Independent Studies Support Reduced Risk Claims on Heated Tobacco Products Industry-funded studies tend to be criticized as being biased, but are frequently corroborated by inde- pendent research also. A growing body of independent research supports HTP reduced- risk claims. Image generated by ChatGPT. The path forward lies not in vilifying harm-reduction tools, but in rigorously scrutinizing them independently, transparently, and continuously.

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