SWITZERLAND
Researchers have reported that the iQOS heat-not-burn device still releases some of the same cancer-causing chemicals found in traditional cigarette smoke.
Led by Dr. Reto Auer of the University of Bern in Switzerland, the research team analyzed the chemical compounds and nicotine in smoke from Lucky Strike Blue Lights cigarettes and the iQOS.
Study results show that smoke released by an iQOS device had 84% of the nicotine found in traditional cigarettes. The device also released chemicals linked to cancer including carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).According to Dr. Auer, the research team was surprised to discover that heat-not-burn cigarettes released some of these chemicals in much higher concentrations that conventional cigarettes,
Dr. Auer said that more studies are needed to determine the long-term health effects of heat-not-burn cigarettes, and that their use should be restricted until more is known about them. “There is no safe minimum limit for some of the chemicals in heat-not-burn cigarette smoke, and some of these chemicals may contribute to the high mortality rate of smokers.
“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.”
Based on their research, the team suggested that heated tobacco products should fall under the same indoor smoking bans in place for conventional cigarettes to prevent bystanders from breathing the fumes.