Side stream emissions from 'heated tobacco' products similar to secondhand cigarette smoke

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2015-10/ac-sse101915.php

Public Release: 19-Oct-2015
Side stream emissions from 'heated tobacco' products similar to secondhand cigarette smoke
'Heated Tobacco' products generate side stream emissions: Implications for regulation
Imperial Tobacco

A new study published in the Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry today found that, despite claims made by some manufacturers, next generation 'heated' tobacco devices produce side-stream emissions similar to secondhand cigarette smoke.

The study, conducted by Imperial Tobacco, owner of market leading e-cigarette brand blu, tested a commercially available heated tobacco product called iQOS to assess whether the product generated side stream chemical emissions when activated.

"A number of tobacco manufacturers are promoting products where the tobacco is reportedly 'heated' rather than burned. It has been claimed these products don't produce side stream emissions," explained Dr. Steve Stotesbury, Head of Scientific Regulatory Engagement, Imperial Tobacco. "However, our findings suggest those claims are wrong and that actually, when activated, heated tobacco products release a large number of different chemical compounds into the surrounding airspace. Further research on heated tobacco products is clearly needed"

Heated tobacco devices are sometimes confused with e-cigarettes. However, unlike e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products actually contain blended or processed tobacco just like conventional cigarettes. Heated tobacco products are claimed to work by heating cigarettes at a lower temperature to vapourise nicotine and flavourings which are then inhaled.

"By way of comparison, we also investigated side stream emissions from a Nicorette inhalator and an e-cigarette," said Stotesbury. "The findings highlight the fundamental differences between tobacco and non-tobacco products. While e-cigarettes and pharmaceutical nicotine inhalators share very similar chemical characteristics, the heated tobacco product emissions suggest these devices should fall under the same regulation as regular cigarettes when it comes to indoor use and smoke-free legislation."