Heat not burn cigs contain more cancer causing chemicals

Heat not burn cigs contain more cancer causing chemicals



Cigarettes that heat tobacco as opposed to burning it have been touted as the safest way of smoking in recent years.

But new research suggests that theory to be untrue, finding these 'smokeless' ones to actually contain more cancer-causing chemicals than traditional ones.

Smoking giant Philip Morris markets its IQOS device, which tobacco sticks can be placed into to be heated, as containing 90 per cent less toxins.

However, a study found the smoke of this gadget still has 84 per cent of the nicotine found in traditional cigarettes.

It was also found to contain more chemicals that are strongly linked to cancer in much higher concentrations than traditional methods.

These included carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, scientists said.



Swiss researchers behind the study added that 'there is no safe minimum limit' for some of these dangerous chemicals.

Based on the findings, the authors believe these products should fall under the same indoor smoking bans in place for conventional cigarettes. This would prevent bystanders from breathing the fumes.



Lead author Dr Reto Auer, of the University of Bern, said not enough is yet known about smoking heat-not-burn cigarettes and their use should be restricted in the mean time.

He said: 'We need more studies to find out about the health consequences. Some of these chemicals may contribute to the high mortality rate of smokers.'

For the study, they analysed the chemical compounds and nicotine in smoke from Lucky Strike Blue Light cigarettes.

This was compared to that of the contents of the IQOS device filled with Marlboro HeatSticks that contain tobacco.

They are designed to give their users the taste of tobacco without the smoke or ash that comes with more conventional methods - eliminating a large chunk of toxins that traditional smokers inhale.

A smoking device was developed to capture fumes from both methods of tobacco use, according to the study in JAMA Internal Medicine.

Dr Auer added: 'Harmful chemicals were present in IQOS smoke, though in lower concentrations, on average.

'We need to conduct more studies to find out whether IQOS are safer for users or bystanders.'

Dr Mitchell Katz, deputy editor of the journal the study was published in, said the findings were concerning.

He said the results demonstrate that 'heat-not-burn products release carcinogens, so the use of these products in public space would harm the health of both the user and those around the user'.

A spokesperson for Philip Morris International said: 'We welcome independent research on our smoke-free products. However, we are surprised by some of the study methodologies and conclusions.

'The presence of some harmful compounds is presented as news, while it is not. What matters is that the levels of such compounds are drastically reduced compared to the levels found in cigarette smoke.'

'There can of course be disagreement in science. We are open to discuss differences, and believe this is best achieved by comparing methodologies and discussing results.'