Nicotine Delivery to the Aerosol of a Heat-Not-Burn Tobacco Product: Comparison With a Tobacco Cigarette and E-Cigarettes

Abstract

Nicotine delivery to the smoker is expected to play an important role in the ability of any harm-reduction product to successfully substitute smoking. This study evaluated the content and nicotine delivery to the aerosol of a heat-not-burn tobacco product (IQOS) in comparison with e-cigarettes and a tobacco cigarette. The main findings were that the heat-not-burn tobacco sticks contained similar nicotine concentration to tobacco cigarettes, and that the levels of nicotine delivered to the aerosol of the heat-not-burn products were lower than tobacco cigarette, higher than e-cigarettes at low puff duration but lower than high-power e-cigarettes at longer puff duration.

Carbonyl emissions from a novel heated tobacco product (IQOS): comparison with an e‐cigarette and a tobacco cigarette

“…Considering the past experience of tobacco industry science , it is reasonable to be cautious and emphasize the importance to have independent studies replicating research published by the industry. Until now, this and other independent studies have, for the most part, verified the manufacturer reports .…”

“…It is expected that smokers would want to obtain a similar amount of nicotine from these products as from smoking tobacco cigarettes. Three studies have shown that IQOS delivers approximately 30% lower levels of nicotine to the aerosol compared to a commercial or standardized tobacco cigarette . Therefore, it is possible that smokers who switch to IQOS might use more intense puffing patterns.…”

“…For the e‐cigarette, one atomizer head was used for each triplicate. The samples were analysed for nicotine levels with GC‐NPD, using a method validated and described previously . The values were expressed as mg/12 puffs (mg/14 puffs for PR3) for IQOS and e‐cigarette and as mg/cigarette for the tobacco cigarette.…”

“…Several studies have assessed the chemistry and toxicology of this and other similar products from other manufacturers . However, with few exceptions , all studies have been performed by the manufacturers of the products. Considering the past history of the tobacco industry, it is reasonable to be cautious and it is necessary for independent studies to assess the accuracy of the reported findings and the potential of these products to reduce risk to smokers.…”

Innovative approaches to support smoking cessation for individuals with mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders

“…The smoke that is released from heating has the same harmful constituents of conventional tobacco cigarette smoke. Preliminary research indicates that HNB tobacco products provide more nicotine than e-cigarettes but less than traditional cigarettes [110]. More research on these devices is needed.…”