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Heat Not Burn
Heat not burn (HNB) products, also known as heated tobacco products, are a relatively new form of tobacco consumption. They work by heating compressed tobacco to release a vapour containing nicotine and other chemicals, without burning the tobacco. These products have gained attention worldwide, with some claims suggesting they are less harmful than traditional cigarettes. However, there is still limited independent research on their long-term health effects and societal impact.
What's The Issue?
Heat not burn products present both opportunities and challenges for public health. While they may reduce exposure to some harmful chemicals produced by combustion, they still involve the use of tobacco, which contains carcinogens and addictive nicotine. Moreover, these products risk normalising smoking behaviours and potentially acting as a gateway for non-smokers, including young people.
In Wales and the UK, the prevalence of HNB product use remains low, but their popularity is growing globally, particularly in countries like Japan. Monitoring these trends and understanding their potential impact is vital for ensuring that public health policies effectively address emerging tobacco products.
Why It Matters?
Health Risks
HNB products may reduce exposure to certain harmful chemicals found in traditional cigarettes, but they are not risk-free. The vapour still contains toxic substances, including nicotine, which is highly addictive. Long-term studies are needed to fully understand the health impacts of these products.
Youth Impact
The sleek designs and marketing of HNB devices, often targeting younger audiences, raise concerns about youth uptake. They risk renormalising smoking behaviours, which could lead to increased experimentation and eventual tobacco addiction among non-smokers.
Renormalisation of Smoking
HNB products blur the lines between smoking cessation tools and traditional tobacco use. This could undermine years of progress in de-normalising smoking as a social behaviour.
Limited Research
Much of the available research on HNB products comes from tobacco companies, whose vested interests create potential biases. Independent research is urgently needed to assess the health and societal effects of these products.
How You Can Help
Support Research: Encourage funding and support for independent research on HNB products to ensure public health policies are based on robust evidence.
Advocate for Policies: Support measures that regulate HNB products, such as plain packaging and advertising restrictions, to protect public health.
Report Concerns: If you notice HNB products being marketed irresponsibly or sold illegally, report it here: No Ifs. No Butts.
Key Stats
- In Japan, HNB products account for over 30% of the tobacco market, demonstrating their rapid growth potential.
- According to recent studies, awareness of HNB products among UK adults remains low, with less than 15% having heard of them.
- Current estimates suggest that less than 1% of tobacco users in Wales have tried HNB products.
- A review by Public Health England (2022) suggests HNB products may expose users to fewer harmful chemicals than cigarettes but stresses they are not harmless.
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Evidence Review of E-Cigarettes and Heated Tobacco Products 2018 – Public Health England
This executive summary presents findings on the health risks of HNB products compared to traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes, highlighting the need for ongoing research.
Statement on the Toxicological Evaluation of Novel Heat-Not-Burn Tobacco Products – Committee on Toxicity
This document provides an independent assessment of the toxicological risks associated with HNB products, comparing them to conventional cigarettes.
Smokeless Tobacco: 5 Common Questions About ‘Heat Not Burn’ Products Answered – Cancer Research UK
Cancer Research UK addresses common queries regarding HNB products, including their safety and how they differ from other tobacco products.
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