A lack of independent expertise on HNB cigarettes action in harm reduction
The experts consider the two products “objectively” different. There are compelling scientific evidences that e-cigarettes are valuable tools in the fight against smoking and they significantly reduce the harm of smoking when switching to vaping.
In contrast, all the publications that support HBN products as harm reduction devices only rely on studies sponsored by their developers. From a scientific point of view, this is not sufficient to convince the experts who are seeking an other point of view. Even if the experts do not discard health benefits of HNB cigarettes, they prefer to wait until independent scientific proofs confirms current findings to ascertain their position on the product.
Active independent research on heated tobacco products is underway, as shown by this oral presentation given by Jan Heide (MSc) from the University of Rostock (Germany) during the last E-Cig symopsium in La Rochelle, earlier this month. Jan shows the summary of his laboratory work where he analyzed e-vapor samples from iQOS, Eclipse and Ploom.
An ambiguous position between e-cigarette and combustible tobacco products
However, due to the presence of tobacco leaves in HNB cigarettes and their absence in e-cigarettes, the expert panel advises legislators not to treat the two products on the same regulatory basis. Yet it is on this ambiguity that HNB cigarette manufacturers count to have their product pass the regulatory process.
Learn more about LIAF’s Scientific Committee:
LIAF’s Scientific Committee at work on heat not burn (HNB) cigarettes
