Marketed as a better alternative to smoking
“A completely new way of experiencing tobacco.” “No fire, no ash.” And “no smell of cigarette smoke.” Companies advertise so-called tobacco heaters with such slogans. A few years ago, Philip Morris made the start in this country with Iqos. Comparable products with electronic heating systems are now available, such as British American Tobacco’s Glo. According to current study data Debra (German survey on smoking behavior), around 5.2 percent of people in Germany have already used tobacco heaters.
Tobacco heater from 29 euros
The Iqos device currently costs 79 euros, the Glo 29 euros (as of 09/15/21). In addition, there are costs for the tobacco sticks, which are roughly comparable to conventional cigarettes at five to six euros per pack (20 pieces). The tobacco sticks are inserted into the devices and heated there, then users can draw on them like on a conventional cigarette (see Smoking with technology).
Less typical pollutants than in cigarette smoke
According to advertising, tobacco heaters are the better alternative to smoking. Because they only heat tobacco instead of burning it. This creates aerosols that contain far fewer typical pollutants than the smoke of conventional cigarettes. This is shown above all by provider-financed studies.
One Investigation with the participation of the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) came to a similar conclusion in 2018. Accordingly, the content of aldehydes such as formaldehyde is 80 to 95 percent lower. Volatile organic compounds were reduced by 97 to 99 percent. “Our study confirms that levels of key carcinogens are significantly reduced,” the research team writes.
There are no studies on other pollutants and long-term effects
However, the quantities of possible pollutants that could be particularly high in the aerosol from tobacco heaters and consequently inhaled, such as propylene glycol, glycerine and acetol, were not examined.
According to the BfR study, further independent investigations are necessary for this purpose. In addition, there is a lack of long-term data on the health effects of using tobacco heaters; after all, they are still fairly new to the market.
Indications of a lung-damaging effect
Animal experiments and studies with cell cultures provide initial indications that the devices could promote serious lung diseases. Even after short-term use of tobacco heaters, harmful processes in the lungs can be detected to a similar extent as with cigarette smoke.
Similar nicotine levels as in cigarettes
According to the name, the sticks of the tobacco heater contain tobacco and thus also nicotine. According to the study, in which the BfR was involved, the nicotine content of tobacco heaters is comparable to that of conventional cigarettes. In this respect, a comparable addiction potential can also be assumed.
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Conclusion of the Stiftung Warentest: Better without
Long-term consequences unclear. Tobacco heaters seem to release significantly fewer carcinogenic substances than conventional cigarettes. However, it is possible that other harmful substances get into the lungs, for example due to flavorings or glycerine. Tobacco heaters are comparatively new on the market, so there are no studies on possible long-term damage from use.
Not two-pronged. A relative advantage could only be offered if the complete switch from conventional smoking to a tobacco heater succeeds. “Dual consumption” is not recommended. Here you expose yourself to both the pollutants in cigarette smoke and any pollutants contained in the aerosol of the tobacco heater.
threat of dependency. There is a danger that previous non-smokers – not least young people – will become addicted to nicotine, seduced by the appeal of a modern product with interesting technical details. Officially, children and young people in this country are not a target group for tobacco heaters, because according to the Youth Protection Act, they are not allowed to buy or use them.
Similar assessments as for tobacco heaters also apply to e-cigarettes that vaporize nicotine-containing or nicotine-free liquids (liquids).
In summary, it can be said: The healthiest life is when you don’t need anything at all – neither cigarettes, e-cigarettes nor tobacco heaters.