Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Introduction
- Why Heated Tobacco Products Are Not The Same As E-Cigarettes
- Heated tobacco products history
- How do HTPs work?
- Comparison with Smoking
- Heated Tobacco Device Safety: What Users Need to Know
- Chemical Emissions: What’s in the Aerosol?
- Health Risks: What Does the Science Say?
- How do heated tobacco products differ from e-cigarettes and vaping?
- Public Perception: How Are HTPs Viewed?
- Why ban flavoured HTPs?
- The problems with banning flavours
- The arguments for banning flavoured HTPs
- User Education: Bridging the Knowledge Gap
- Why Heated Tobacco Products are Not The Same as E-cigarettes - Conclusion
- FAQ: Heated Tobacco vs Vaping
- References
Key Takeaways
- Heated Tobacco and Vaping Use Different Technologies
Heated tobacco products warm real tobacco to release nicotine, while vapes heat e-liquids that typically contain nicotine, propylene glycol, and flavourings—without burning any tobacco.
- Vaping Produces Fewer Harmful Chemicals
As vapes don’t contain or burn tobacco, they generally produce significantly fewer toxicants compared to heated tobacco products, making them a less harmful alternative for adult smokers.
- Vaping Offers More Smoking Cessation Support
Vaping is better supported by UK public health organisations as a tool to quit smoking, with regulated nicotine strengths and flavours that help smokers transition away from traditional cigarettes.
Introduction
Time to talk ‘tobacco’ – heated tobacco products, to be precise.
A recent article talking about the proposed ban by the European Union on flavoured heated tobacco products used the term ‘e-cigarette’ in the article headline, only mentioning in the text that this is about ‘heated tobacco products’ and not e-liquid vapes. Headlines like these lead people to group electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) that use e-liquid with these heated tobacco products, or ‘HTPs’ (also known as 'tobacco heating systems' and 'heat not burn products'), that still use tobacco.
This article will explain some of the significant differences between the two products, and why ENDS should be presented as an altogether different product to HTPs.
Why Heated Tobacco Products Are Not The Same As E-Cigarettes
E-Cigarettes do not contain tobacco – e-liquid is made from propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, flavourings and nicotine. Both e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products are considered nicotine containing products. Because of their nicotine content and potential for dependence, both are classified as addictive drugs.
Heated tobacco products, sometimes called ‘smokeless tobacco products’, do contain tobacco so contain the harmful chemicals and carcinogens found in tobacco products, like heavy metals that get into the plant.
Heated tobacco products do not combust tobacco, but instead heat tobacco to produce inhalable vapour. Both heated tobacco and e-cigarettes deliver nicotine to users, which is the primary reason for their addictive potential. Studies indicate they still produce low levels of many of the harmful chemicals associated with smoking.
These alternatives reduce exposure to harmful chemicals however neither is completely risk free, but the degree of harm reduction may favour E-Cigarettes.
Heated tobacco products history
Heated tobacco products were first pioneered in the 1980’s, so they have been around for a while. Tobacco companies have been developing alternative heated tobacco products since 1988, with varying degrees of success. Most were withdrawn within a year of release, with more success occurring in recent years (1). In some cases, former employees have revealed challenges and irregularities faced by the industry during the development of these products.
There is huge pressure that is still mounting on eliminating the biggest cause of preventable death worldwide, which is smoking. With the emergence of the ‘e-cigarette’, tobacco companies have been playing catch up ever since, whether in the form of buying up vape companies or launching their own product to compete with e-cigs; this is where heated tobacco products come in.
The tobacco industry has invested heavily in both heated tobacco and e cigarette brands to maintain market share and respond to changing consumer preferences. The development and distribution of these products have expanded into other countries, with notable partnerships and agreements, such as those involving South Korea, highlighting the global reach and regulatory differences in the heated tobacco market.
How do HTPs work?
Heated tobacco products are very different from the e-liquid vapes many of us are now familiar with. There are a few different designs out there, but where an e-cigarette heats up e-liquid to turn it into an aerosol which can be inhaled, heated tobacco products use a heating system that heats real tobacco at a lower temperature than traditional cigarettes—typically no higher than 350°C—to create an aerosol to inhale (2).
These 'heat-not-burn' products are designed to heat tobacco but not burn it, distinguishing them from conventional cigarettes. By limiting the temperature, heated tobacco systems aim to prevent burning the tobacco because it leads to the formation of more nasty chemicals in cigarette smoke. This heat-not-burn approach means these devices are also referred to as not burn tobacco or not burn products.
Early versions of HTPs still produced high levels of carcinogens and carbon monoxide, which may explain why many early attempts at these products were withdrawn relatively soon after their release.
Today, there are two main types of heated tobacco product – one that uses a carbon tin wrapped in glass fibres where the user lights the tip and the dried tobacco is heated to create an aerosol. The other style uses wrapped tobacco sticks placed in a heating device that pierces the paper wrap and heats the tobacco, creating an aerosol.
Some modern devices feature an all in one design, integrating the heating system and tobacco stick holder for added convenience. Additionally, certain devices allow for multiple consecutive uses before needing to be recharged or reloaded, enhancing user convenience.
Comparison with Smoking
When it comes to reducing the harm caused by cigarette smoking, many adult smokers are looking for alternatives to traditional cigarettes. Heated tobacco products, also known as heat not burn products, have been marketed as a new way to use real tobacco without the smoke and many of the harmful chemicals found in conventional cigarettes. But how do these heated tobacco devices really compare to smoking a traditional cigarette?
Heated tobacco products work by heating tobacco sticks to a high temperature—typically around 350°C—without actually burning the tobacco. This process creates a heated tobacco vapour instead of traditional cigarette smoke. As the tobacco is not burned, the levels of some harmful chemicals are reduced compared to the thousands of toxic substances released when you burn tobacco in a conventional cigarette. However, using heated tobacco still exposes users to a range of toxic substances, including nicotine, which is an addictive substance, as well as other chemicals that can negatively impact human health.
The World Health Organization considers all tobacco use, including heated tobacco products, to be harmful. While heated tobacco vapour may contain fewer cancer-causing chemicals than traditional cigarette smoke, it is not risk free. The nicotine content in heated tobacco products can vary considerably between different heated tobacco products, and some heated tobacco sticks may deliver as much or even more nicotine than a normal cigarette. This means that heated tobacco users are still at risk of developing nicotine addiction and other negative health effects associated with tobacco use.
Tobacco harm reduction strategies are designed to help smokers quit or reduce the risks associated with smoking cigarettes. However, leading health organisations such as the European Respiratory Society and the European Lung Foundation do not recommend heated tobacco products as a tobacco harm reduction strategy. The lack of long-term independent research on the health effects of heated tobacco products means that their safety profile is still uncertain, and there is concern that these products could act as a gateway to cigarette smoking, especially among non-smokers and young people.
For those looking to quit smoking, evidence-based methods like nicotine replacement therapy—including nicotine patches and gum—and traditional quitting methods remain the most effective and safest options. These approaches have been thoroughly studied and are recommended by health authorities worldwide. In contrast, the effectiveness of heated tobacco products for quitting smoking has not been proven, and substituting cigarettes with heated tobacco devices is not advised as a way to stop smoking.
In summary, while heated tobacco products may reduce exposure to some harmful chemicals compared to traditional cigarette smoke, they are not a risk free or recommended alternative. The best way to protect your lung health and overall well-being is to quit tobacco use entirely, using proven tobacco control and tobacco harm reduction strategies supported by independent research and public health organisations.
Heated Tobacco Device Safety: What Users Need to Know
When it comes to heated tobacco products, such as IQOS and Eclipse, users should be aware that these devices are not without risks. While the tobacco industry claims that heating tobacco instead of burning it makes these tobacco products a safer alternative to conventional cigarettes, there is insufficient evidence to fully support these claims. The World Health Organization has stated that there is not enough evidence to conclude that heated tobacco products are safer than traditional cigarettes.
One of the main concerns is nicotine exposure. Heated tobacco products still deliver nicotine, which is highly addictive and can lead to nicotine dependence. The use of heated tobacco can also expose users to harmful chemicals that are present in the tobacco leaf, even if the tobacco is not burned. While these devices are designed to reduce the formation of some harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoke, they do not eliminate them entirely. Users should also be aware of the potential health effects associated with the use of heated tobacco, including the risk of developing nicotine dependence and other health issues related to tobacco and nicotine use.
In summary, while the tobacco industry promotes heated tobacco products as a safer option, the reality is that the safety of these devices is still uncertain. Users should approach these products with caution and be mindful of the potential risks, especially when compared to quitting smoking altogether or switching to smoke free alternatives like e-cigarettes.
Chemical Emissions: What’s in the Aerosol?
The aerosol produced by heated tobacco products contains a complex mix of chemicals, many of which can be harmful to both users and those around them. While the tobacco industry claims that these products emit fewer harmful chemicals than traditional cigarettes, independent researchers have found that the emissions from heated tobacco products can still pose significant health risks.
Among the substances found in the Heated Tobacco Product aerosol are:
- nicotine
- particulate matter, and
- volatile organic compounds like benzene and toluene
- carbonyl compounds like formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and acrolein
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Particulate matter, in particular, can be damaging to lung health, and its presence in the aerosol means that heated tobacco products are not risk free. Pregnant women, young people, and non smokers can also be exposed to these harmful substances through secondhand aerosol, raising concerns about the broader public health impact of these products.
Despite the marketing from tobacco companies, the reality is that heated tobacco products still release harmful chemicals into the air. Users should be aware of these risks and take steps to minimise their exposure, especially if they are considering heated tobacco as a smoking alternative to regular cigarettes.
Health Risks: What Does the Science Say?
Scientific research into the health risks of heated tobacco products is ongoing, but current evidence suggests that these products are not without harm. Nicotine exposure from heated tobacco products can be highly addictive, leading to nicotine dependence and making it difficult for users to quit smoking or reduce their use of tobacco products.
The use of heated tobacco has also been linked to respiratory issues and other health problems, similar to those associated with traditional cigarettes. The European Respiratory Society has stated that heated tobacco products are not a safe alternative to traditional cigarettes, and the UK government has issued health warnings about the potential risks of these products.
While some smokers may turn to heated tobacco in hopes of reducing harm, it is important to recognise that these products still carry significant health risks. The best way to reduce harm from tobacco is to quit smoking entirely, rather than switching to another tobacco product that still delivers nicotine and other harmful chemicals.
How do heated tobacco products differ from e-cigarettes and vaping?
Heated tobacco and vaping are alternative nicotine delivery methods that both require inhalation, making them easy substitutes for traditional cigarettes. The e-cigarette uses a battery to heat a coil, which in turn heats the e-liquid containing the all-important nicotine into an aerosol which is inhaled into the lungs, to absorb the nicotine into the blood.
All these devices are designed to deliver nicotine via the lungs, creating a similar sensation to smoking a traditional cigarette. The difference lies in the substance that is being heated up. E cigarette users and cigarette users may experience different health effects due to the differences in the substances being inhaled.
In e-cigarettes, it is e-liquid that is heated up. E-liquid is made up from propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerine (VG), flavourings, and nicotine. E cigarette vapour is produced when the e-liquid is heated, and it contains nicotine, chemicals, and other potentially harmful substances, though at much lower levels than cigarette vapour, which is produced by burning tobacco and contains many toxic chemicals linked to serious health risks. You can check out our blog, ‘What Exactly is in Vape Juice? Here is Everything You Need To Know’ for a more comprehensive breakdown of what is in your e-liquid!
HTPs heat up tobacco - we know that there are many nasty chemicals formed by burning tobacco, and so heated tobacco products aim to reduce the harm by preventing the tobacco from burning. Unlike e cigarettes, HTPs use real tobacco, which can result in different emissions and potentially unique health risks.
This does mean that HTP users are still getting chemicals from the tobacco plant, and this includes heavy metals like cadmium and mercury that the tobacco plant naturally takes in from soil – this is not the case with e-liquid e-cigarettes. In addition, two recent studies did show increased carbon monoxide levels in exhaled breath after HTP use, indicating that combustion may still be happening in some designs for HTPs (3).
E-liquids, by comparison, only contain nicotine from the tobacco plant (and even this can be synthesised), so you don’t get the other harmful chemicals found in tobacco when you vape with e-liquid! However, nicotine levels in e-cigarettes can vary considerably depending on the device and e-liquid used.
Studies have shown that e cigarette users may have different patterns of use and health outcomes compared to cigarette users and research is ongoing into the harm linked to both heated tobacco and vaping.
Public Perception: How Are HTPs Viewed?
Public perception of heated tobacco products is divided. Many smokers see heated tobacco as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, influenced by marketing from the tobacco industry and the appeal of new technology. However, this perception is not fully supported by scientific evidence.
Health professionals and independent researchers have raised concerns about the potential risks of heated tobacco products, warning that they can still be harmful to users and the wider public. Despite these warnings, the tobacco industry continues to promote heated tobacco as a less harmful option, which can lead to confusion among consumers.
As a result, many smokers may underestimate the risks associated with heated tobacco products, believing them to be a risk free or significantly safer alternative to smoking cigarettes. It is important for the public to have access to accurate information so they can make informed decisions about their health and the use of tobacco products.
Why ban flavoured HTPs?
The EU’s Commissioner for health and food safety Stella Kyriakides said the proposed banning of flavoured heated tobacco products is an effort to ‘make smoking as unattractive as possible to protect the health of our citizens and save lives’ and prevent youth appeal. This was proposed in response to an observed 10% increase in sales of HTPs in more than five EU member countries. It’s interesting to note that no consideration is made that this increase could be down to smokers seeking a less harmful alternative. Heated tobacco products have also been available in the UK market since around 2016, with several brands present.
Studies have shown that HTP use delivers significantly less toxins than tobacco cigarettes. Some heated tobacco products have received regulatory authorisation to make exposure modification claims, indicating reduced exposure to certain harmful chemicals compared to regular cigarettes, though these claims are subject to regulatory scrutiny and do not imply reduced disease risk. The addition of flavourings is likely to lead to the production of some toxins, but as the tobacco isn’t burning, we can expect the levels of these toxins to be incredibly low. This means that even flavoured HTPs are significantly less harmful than smoking cigarettes.
When considering the rationale for banning or allowing HTPs, it is important to note that there is a lack of evidence supporting their effectiveness for smoking cessation, and concerns remain about dual use and renormalisation of smoking. Current use of HTPs among ex smokers and never smokers remains low, suggesting limited appeal to these groups, but there are ongoing concerns about relapse among ex smokers and potential initiation among never smokers, especially youth.
The ‘flavoured’ argument appears to originate from the marketing in certain countries of e-cigarettes, where flavours were named with child-appeal, and packaging made bright and colourful to attract the eye. This led to a rise in youths using e-cigarettes in the USA. This marketing strategy was identified and clamped down on, and flavoured e-cigarettes banned in the USA to avoid the product’s appeal to the youth market.
Many adults buy e cigarettes as a way to quit smoking, with evidence from Cochrane demonstrating their effectiveness, however it is important to note that using both e-cigarettes and traditional tobacco products side by side could be more harmful than smoking alone.
The problems with banning flavours
One study that analysed data from tobacco smokers who had at least tried an e-cigarette and found that the taste was the most cited reason for choosing their e-cigarette. In the group aged 15-24, external packaging and design features were rated as the more important aspects of choosing their device (4). This study suggests that there are more important factors than flavour that encourage the youth to try e-cigarettes. We were all young once, and something being outlawed is only more reason to give it a try for an adventurous, rebellious youth!
Being unable to obtain flavoured products may lead to consumers trying to make their own flavours, without a full understanding of the flavourings that are safe for this purpose - this could end up being damaging to the consumer.
From the smoker’s perspective, having a tobacco product with flavour you enjoy will encourage you to choose to use the device over smoking cigarettes. Given the addictive nature of cigarettes, every advantage that a smoker has when trying to quit smoking should be exploited, and enjoying the taste is a big one that I believe should not be so quickly cast aside. The availability of appealing flavours can play a significant role in helping smokers switch from traditional cigarettes to alternative products, supporting the smokers switch and potentially reducing harm.
The arguments for banning flavoured HTPs
Heated tobacco products may be marketed as ‘95% less harmful than smoking’ but it is important to understand that this figure is not from a health authority. With e-cigarettes, Public Health England reviewed evidence, concurring with the Royal College of Physicians that e-cigarettes are unlikely to surpass 5% of the damage done by tobacco cigarettes – so the official stand is that electronic cigarettes are 95% less harmful than tobacco cigarettes. Tobacco smoke is the primary source of harmful chemicals in traditional cigarettes, which is why alternatives are being considered.
This raises the question of how harmful e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products really are, and ongoing research continues to investigate their long-term health effects. The composition and health risks of smokeless tobacco products varies depending on the specific product, making it important to assess each alternative individually.
Heated tobacco products, which use real tobacco, while they appear to be less damaging than when you smoke cigarettes, have a lifetime cancer risk higher than the lifetime cancer risk from e-cigarettes (5). These products still contain many of the same harmful ingredients found in traditional cigarettes, and research is ongoing to assess their safety.
When comparing quitting methods, traditional quitting aids like patches and gum are regulated and widely studied, while e-cigarettes and HTPs are newer options being evaluated as potential quitting aids, though their risks and benefits are still debated.
There is a good argument for only allowing the tobacco alternative that has the largest reduced risk, which would see the banning of all heated tobacco products in the EU, if the aim is to eliminate deaths from tobacco.
Harmful e cigarettes have been linked to a range of negative health outcomes, including lung disease and lung symptoms. Studies have found that some e cigarette users report lung symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath, and even healthy e cigarette users may experience airway irritation. Vaping related lung injury has also been identified as a recently emerging condition associated with e-cigarette use.
Again, it is important to note that vaping-related injury in the United States has been linked to a chemical called 'vitamin E acetate' that is being used to mix illicit substances like THC (the psychoactive component in cannabis) into e-liquids, where well regulated markets like the UK has seen almost no instances of E-Cigarette and Vaping Associated Lung Injury (EVALI).
A data set for the IQOS tobacco heating system, a heated tobacco product manufactured by Philip Morris International, indicated that out of 24 biomarkers of potential harm, there was no statistical differences between people using the IQOS and tobacco cigarettes in 23 of 24 biomarkers (6). Given that this is Philip Morris International’s own data, this further indicates that heated tobacco products do not reduce harm at the same magnitude as e-cigarettes. Regulatory approaches and research in South Korea and other countries also highlight ongoing concerns about the risks and safety of these products.
User Education: Bridging the Knowledge Gap
There is a clear need for better user education when it comes to heated tobacco products. Many people are unaware of the potential health effects and risks associated with the use of heated tobacco, and this knowledge gap can lead to uninformed choices and increased harm.
Health professionals and public health organisations have a crucial role to play in providing clear, unbiased information about the risks and benefits of heated tobacco products. Users should be encouraged to seek out reliable sources of information and to take steps to minimise their exposure to harmful chemicals found in these tobacco products.
At the same time, the tobacco industry should be held accountable for ensuring that their marketing and product information is accurate and transparent, rather than relying on tobacco industry claims that may downplay the risks. By improving user education and promoting a better understanding of the health effects of heated tobacco, we can help reduce the harm caused by these products and support public health efforts to encourage quitting smoking and the use of safer alternatives.
Why Heated Tobacco Products are Not The Same as E-cigarettes - Conclusion
Many of the articles covering this story have already made amendments to clarify that e-cigarettes are not included in this ban, but with headlines of this nature (7), it is no wonder that the e-cigarette industry is facing an uphill battle to inform members of the public of the facts.
Heated tobacco products contain tobacco, and while they don’t burn the tobacco, heating it does release chemicals that we know to be harmful, including heavy metals and carbon monoxide. Is it a step in the right direction for smokers? Yes. Is there a better option on the market? Yes.
E-cigarettes do away with tobacco and the chemicals found within - and remember: they are 95% less harmful than smoking, according to Public Health England!
So, if you want to quit smoking, e-cigarettes using e-liquid are a better choice than heated tobacco products. Get started today with the SMOKO e-cigarette starter kit for FREE* by clicking here!
FAQ: Heated Tobacco vs Vaping
1. Is heated tobacco the same as vaping?
No. Heated tobacco warms real tobacco to produce a nicotine-containing aerosol, while vaping uses a battery to heat an e-liquid—typically containing nicotine, flavourings, and propylene glycol—without using any tobacco.
2. Which is safer: heated tobacco or vaping?
Vaping is widely considered less harmful than heated tobacco. Vaping doesn’t involve tobacco or combustion, so produces fewer harmful chemicals than even heated tobacco products.
3. Do heated tobacco products help you quit smoking?
While some smokers switch to heated tobacco, these products are not officially recommended by UK health bodies for smoking cessation. Vaping, however, is backed by the NHS and Public Health England as an effective tool to quit smoking.
4. Do both products contain nicotine?
Yes, both heated tobacco and vape products usually contain nicotine—the addictive substance found in cigarettes. However, vape products offer more flexible nicotine strength options, which can help with gradual nicotine reduction.
5. Which one feels more like smoking?
Heated tobacco mimics the taste and ritual of smoking more closely, but vaping provides a smoother, customisable experience with a wide range of flavours and devices that many smokers find easier to adapt to.
References
(1) BMJ: Evolution of tobacco products: recent history and future directions
(2) Heated Tobacco Products: A Review of Current Knowledge and Initial Assessments
(3) Comparative assessment of HPHC yields in the Tobacco Heating System THS2.2 and commercial cigarettes
(4) Design and marketing features influencing choice of e-cigarettes and tobacco in the EU
(7) EU proposes ban on flavoured electronic cigarette products to combat cancer rates
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Written by Dan Overgage
Dan Overgage is a former smoker of 10 years until he became a client of SMOKO E-Cigarettes. Dan started working with SMOKO 5 years ago after successfully quitting using our e-cigarettes and works across our Customer Service and heads up our content creation and research with a strong focus on all things quitting smoking. During his tenure with SMOKO, Dan has written countless blogs and consults with countless clients every day to help them to stay smoke-free.
Last updated 07/08/2025
