Citation

Borland, Dhungel, B., Gartner, C.E., Fong, G.T., Hyland, Cummings, K.M., East, K.A. (2024). How is heated tobacco product use described by people who use them daily. Tobacco Control, [Published online Nov 1, doi: doi:10.1136/tc-2024-058969].

Abstract

Heated tobacco products (HTPs) heat tobacco, usually in the form of a stick of compacted, reconstituted tobacco rather than burning it, to produce an aerosol that contains nicotine and other tobacco constituents. In countries where these products are marketed, prevalence has increased, most notably Japan. HTPs deliver lower levels of toxicants than conventional cigarette smoke and are promoted as harm- reduced alternatives to smoking. It is unclear how HTP users describe the act of inhaling the aerosol generated. One qualitative study among adult HTP users found considerable confusion as to what term was appropriate, and although the term ‘smoking’ was commonly used, they resisted being labelled as ‘smokers’.

The continuing uncertainty about terms reinforces existing concerns about product classification, highlighting the need to clearly communicate category differences when asking about product use. We do this in ITC surveys. Accurate classification is particularly important as these products have different risk profiles and/or are subject to different regulatory requirements.