The Benefits and Risks of Smokeless Tobacco Products

Sep.06.2022
The Benefits and Risks of Smokeless Tobacco Products
Phillip Morris promotes non-combustible products as a safer alternative to smoking, backed by scientific evidence.

Smokers understand that smoking is harmful. However, data shows that most people are unaware that the primary issue with smoking is the smoke itself. When a cigarette is lit, it reaches high temperatures and the smoke produced from burning tobacco contains approximately 6,000 chemical compounds.


Approximately 100 substances have been identified by recognized public health authorities as harmful or potentially harmful. The high levels of these chemicals in cigarette smoke are the primary cause of smoking-related illnesses.


Innovation choice.


Innovative alternatives that eliminate combustion can release nicotine without producing smoke or ashes. While these products are still easily addictive and not without risks, they have the potential to significantly reduce the average levels of harmful chemicals compared to traditional cigarettes.


An independent study conducted by PMI has shown that 43% of respondents are confused by smoke-free products they have seen, read about or heard about. However, 76% of smokers would consider switching to less harmful alternatives if more information was available.


A woman snapped a cigarette in half. Source: PIXABAY new regulations.


In recent years, the market has seen an influx of new types of tobacco and nicotine products. Advances in technology and science have made it possible to develop smoke-free options, which while not without risk, may be a safer alternative for adult smokers who would otherwise continue to smoke traditional cigarettes.


More and more countries have implemented regulations on the use and distribution of alternative tobacco products that differ from traditional cigarettes. This allows adult smokers to transition to these product categories instead of continuing to smoke. Examples of such countries include the United States, Sweden, Japan, and the United Kingdom, which have also established very strict regulations on the use of traditional cigarettes.


Heating, non-burning products and non-flammable products do not produce smoke, which actually carries harmful substances that can cause tobacco-related diseases.


These products heat tobacco without burning it, significantly reducing the production of harmful chemicals. This innovative technology is backed by scientific evidence and marketing that differentiates and regulates such products can help adult smokers who would otherwise continue to smoke traditional cigarettes to switch to these alternatives and reduce their exposure to harmful chemicals.


The Power of Nicotine


Nicotine naturally occurs in tobacco leaves. This is one of the reasons why people smoke, besides factors such as taste and ritual. However, nicotine is not without risks, and can be addictive. Nevertheless, the primary cause of smoking-related diseases is the smoke, not the nicotine itself.


There are nine million smokers in Spain.


How do we address the over 1.3 billion smokers worldwide, with almost 9 million in Spain? Adult smokers who will continue to smoke should be treated in such a way that they are provided with accurate information based on scientific evidence, allowing them to make informed decisions.


Tar


One of the most harmful elements in cigarette smoke is known as "tar," which is not the same as the substance used for paving roads as some people mistakenly believe. Tar is a term used to refer to the thousands of chemicals released in cigarette smoke.


Two options


The best choice for adult smokers is to completely quit the use of tobacco and/or nicotine products.


However, as mentioned above, many of them will continue to smoke, which is the most harmful form of tobacco use.


In this situation, an increasing number of health authorities are recommending smoke-free products as a better choice for these consumers.


There are essentially two categories of products:


Electronic cigarettes use the energy from batteries to heat liquid containing nicotine and produce vapor, hence the term "vape". Additionally, they contain other substances such as propylene glycol, glycerin, flavorings, and other additives.


Heating tobacco products, used in conjunction with electronic devices, heats the tobacco without burning it, creating an aerosol instead of smoke.


Fake news.


According to the Unsmoke 2020 study conducted in collaboration with independent advisors Bovado and Phillip Morris, the smoking population in Spain is a victim of certain misconceptions about these products, and is unaware that non-combustible alternatives can help reduce smoking.


Half of the survey respondents indicated that the information they receive about e-cigarettes or heated tobacco products is contradictory or unclear. Meanwhile, 72% of those surveyed believe that authorities should allocate resources towards achieving the goal of providing scientifically verified new alternatives to help people quit smoking.


If they had more information about the differences between these alternative products and traditional cigarettes, even eight out of ten people would consider switching to them.


Philip Morris' bet


In summary, studies have confirmed that harmful substances generated from the burning of tobacco and cigarette smoke are the main causes of tobacco-related illnesses. For this reason, Philip Morris is committed to gradually replacing cigarettes with innovative smoke-free products.


Philip Morris is leading the paradigm shift in the industry, having spent over a decade researching and developing verified alternatives to traditional cigarettes. Since then, the company has been dedicated to developing and studying innovative non-combustible products that may be less harmful than traditional cigarettes.


Statement:


This article is compiled from third-party information and is intended for industry communication and learning purposes only.


This article does not represent the views of 2FIRSTS, and 2FIRSTS cannot confirm the authenticity or accuracy of the content. The compilation of this article is intended for industry exchange and research purposes.


Due to limitations in translation ability, the translated article may not fully express the original text. Please refer to the original text for accuracy.


2FIRSTS maintains complete alignment with the Chinese government on any domestic, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and foreign-related statements and positions.


The copyrights of the compiled information belong to the original media and authors. If there is any infringement, please contact us for removal.


This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

U.S. Fifth Circuit judges question FDA’s claim it has no de facto ban on flavored refillable e-cigarettes
U.S. Fifth Circuit judges question FDA’s claim it has no de facto ban on flavored refillable e-cigarettes
Law360 reports that a Fifth Circuit panel expressed skepticism about the FDA’s claim that it has no de facto ban on flavored refillable e-cigarette products, noting that only six applications had been approved out of hundreds of thousands and that near-100% denials look like a ban.
Jan.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Poland to ban “characterising flavours” in heated tobacco sticks from Jan. 18, 2026
Poland to ban “characterising flavours” in heated tobacco sticks from Jan. 18, 2026
Poland will implement an amended health protection law on January 18, 2026, restricting the availability of tobacco inserts used in heated tobacco devices. The new rules prohibit products with a “characterising flavour,” meaning a clearly noticeable taste or smell other than tobacco, derived from additives and detectable before or during use.
Jan.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Thai Research describes e-cigarettes as a “first gateway” for ages 15–20, linked to appearance and flavors
Thai Research describes e-cigarettes as a “first gateway” for ages 15–20, linked to appearance and flavors
A Thai report says Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office Santi Piyatat is advancing efforts toward a vape-free society. On Jan. 12, a seminar at the Thai Health Promotion Foundation’s learning center presented a study covering six regions of Thailand on spending related to cigarettes and e-cigarettes and the behavior of different smoker groups.
Jan.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai
NSW Police Seize About US$1.9 Million in Illegal Tobacco Products, Including 15,000 Vapes
NSW Police Seize About US$1.9 Million in Illegal Tobacco Products, Including 15,000 Vapes
During a recent routine traffic stop, New South Wales police discovered a large quantity of illegal tobacco and vapes hidden inside a rental truck, including approximately 942,000 cigarettes and more than 15,000 e-cigarettes, with an estimated value of nearly AUD 2 million. The 31-year-old driver was arrested at the scene and the case has now entered judicial proceedings.
Dec.01 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Wisconsin Lawmakers Revive Bill to Raise Legal Age for Tobacco and Vaping Purchases to 21
Wisconsin Lawmakers Revive Bill to Raise Legal Age for Tobacco and Vaping Purchases to 21
Wisconsin Senate Bill 524 (SB 524) has been reintroduced to raise the legal purchasing age for tobacco and electronic nicotine products from 18 to 21, aiming to eliminate the gap between state law and the federal “Tobacco 21” standard. Some retailers in Madison have already voluntarily adopted the 21-year age limit, while the American Lung Association is urging swift legislative action.
Dec.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
China Opens 2026 National E-Cigarette Standards Project for Public Submissions
China Opens 2026 National E-Cigarette Standards Project for Public Submissions
The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) and the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration (STMA) jointly announced the launch of the 2026 National Standardization Project for E-cigarettes. The initiative, coordinated by the National Technical Committee on Standardization of E-cigarettes, aims to enhance the industry’s regulatory framework through new standards on manufacturing, storage, distribution, and evaluation.
Nov.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai