List of heated tobacco products

The three components of the THS 2.2 product

Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs), also known as "heat-not-burn" products, are tobacco products that produce aerosols containing nicotine and other chemicals, which are inhaled by users, through the heating of tobacco. Unlike traditional cigarettes, HTPs do not burn tobacco leaves, which significantly reduces the production of harmful and potentially harmful constituents found in tobacco smoke. The concept behind HTPs is to provide a tobacco experience for smokers without the smoke associated with combustion.

Overview

Heated tobacco products are designed to heat tobacco without burning it or producing smoke. They work by heating specially prepared and blended tobacco to temperatures below combustion, usually up to 350°C, to release nicotine-containing aerosol. The technology behind these products has evolved significantly, leading to the introduction of various devices and brands in the market.

List of Heated Tobacco Products

Several companies have developed their versions of heated tobacco products, aiming to capture the market of smokers looking for alternatives to traditional cigarettes. Some of the most notable products include:

• IQOS - Developed by Philip Morris International (PMI), IQOS is one of the first and most popular heated tobacco products globally. It uses specially designed tobacco sticks known as HEETS or HeatSticks, which are inserted into the IQOS holder to be heated.
• Glo - Introduced by British American Tobacco (BAT), Glo heats tobacco to generate a nicotine-containing vapor. Glo offers various models, including Glo Series 2, Glo Nano, and Glo Pro.
• Ploom - Developed by Japan Tobacco International (JTI), Ploom is another heated tobacco system that uses a unique technology to heat tobacco. Ploom devices heat tobacco pods to release the aerosol.
• Lil - Lil is a heated tobacco product offered by KT&G (Korea Tobacco & Ginseng Corporation). It comes in different versions, such as Lil Mini, Lil Plus, and Lil Solid, catering to various user preferences.

Health Implications

The health implications of using heated tobacco products are still being researched. However, early studies suggest that while HTPs may expose users to lower levels of harmful chemicals compared to traditional cigarettes, they are not risk-free. The aerosol from HTPs contains nicotine, which is addictive, and other toxic substances. Public health authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO), caution that HTPs should not be considered safe alternatives to smoking, but they may be less harmful than smoking conventional cigarettes.

Regulation

The regulation of heated tobacco products varies by country. Some countries regulate HTPs similarly to traditional tobacco products, subjecting them to the same marketing, sales, and use restrictions. Other countries have specific regulations that apply only to HTPs, reflecting their different risk profiles compared to combustible tobacco products. Regulatory bodies around the world continue to evaluate the best practices for regulating these products to protect public health.

Market Trends

The market for heated tobacco products has been growing, driven by smokers' interest in alternatives to traditional cigarettes and the tobacco industry's marketing efforts. Despite the controversies surrounding their health implications, the demand for HTPs is increasing, especially in markets with strict regulations on smoking and tobacco use.

Conclusion

Heated tobacco products represent a significant shift in the tobacco industry, offering an alternative to traditional smoking. While they are marketed as less harmful, the long-term health effects are still under investigation. As the market for HTPs expands, it is crucial for consumers to stay informed about the latest research and for regulators to adapt policies that ensure public health safety.