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.



Disclaimer

This article is provided solely for professional research, industry discussion, and informational purposes. Any references to brands, companies, products, technologies, or policies are made for factual reporting and analytical purposes only, and do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, promotion, or advertising by 2Firsts.

Nicotine-containing products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, carry significant health risks. Readers are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions, including age restrictions and access limitations.

The information contained in this article should not be regarded as investment, legal, medical, regulatory, or commercial advice. While 2Firsts strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of its content, it does not assume liability for any direct or indirect loss arising from errors, omissions, inaccuracies, or reliance on the information contained herein.

This article is not intended for individuals below the legal age for accessing tobacco or nicotine-related information in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright Notice

This article is either original content produced by 2Firsts or content reproduced, translated, summarized, or adapted from third-party sources with attribution where applicable. The intellectual property rights of the original content remain with 2Firsts or the respective original rights holders.

No individual or organization may copy, reproduce, distribute, republish, modify, translate, or otherwise use this content without prior authorization. Any unauthorized use may result in legal action.

For copyright-related inquiries, corrections, or removal requests, please contact: info@2firsts.com.

 

AI-Assisted Translation and Editing Notice

Portions of this article may have been translated, edited, or reviewed with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools to improve efficiency and readability. Due to the limitations of AI-assisted translation and editing, discrepancies, omissions, or inaccuracies may exist when compared with the original source.

Where applicable, readers are advised to refer to the original source for the most complete and accurate information. If you identify any errors or believe that any content infringes upon your rights, please contact us at info@2firsts.com, and we will review and address the matter promptly.

AP Questions FDA Rationale as Glas Fruit-Flavored Vapes Won Authorization Without Added Cessation Benefit
AP Questions FDA Rationale as Glas Fruit-Flavored Vapes Won Authorization Without Added Cessation Benefit
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently authorized two fruit-flavored vaping products from Glas, but a newly released agency memo shows the products did not demonstrate greater smoking-cessation benefits than tobacco-flavored e-cigarettes. The Associated Press said the findings are likely to raise further questions about the FDA’s regulatory rationale and standards for flavored vaping products.
Jun.12
Product | Republic Technologies Launches ZIG Nicotine Pouches, Expanding Beyond Traditional Tobacco Accessories
Product | Republic Technologies Launches ZIG Nicotine Pouches, Expanding Beyond Traditional Tobacco Accessories
Republic Technologies UK has entered the nicotine pouch market with ZIG Nicotine Pouches, marking the company’s expansion beyond traditional tobacco-related accessories into smoke-free nicotine products. The product is expected to enter UK retail channels from August 2026, including convenience stores, supermarkets and tobacco retailers. The launch includes six flavors and three nicotine strengths: 8mg, 12mg and 17mg.
Market
Jul.21 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Bringing Tax and Insurance Into Nicotine Regulation: Insights From a Tobacco Harm-Reduction Report
Bringing Tax and Insurance Into Nicotine Regulation: Insights From a Tobacco Harm-Reduction Report
A smoke-free nicotine policy report argues that tobacco harm reduction should move beyond product bans and health warnings into tax policy, insurance pricing and risk-based regulation. While some projections remain open to debate, the report highlights a wider challenge: nicotine products, technologies and consumer behavior have changed sharply over the past decade, and regulatory systems may need new tools to better align tobacco control with harm-reduction goals.
Jun.08
Former FDA Scientist Questions ZYN Review Over Pouch Material and Microplastic Risk
Former FDA Scientist Questions ZYN Review Over Pouch Material and Microplastic Risk
A former FDA toxicologist has questioned whether the agency fully assessed the material used in ZYN nicotine pouches before authorizing them for sale, raising concerns over possible microplastic exposure, according to STAT and The Examination.
Jul.16
Australian State Targets Illegal Tobacco Retailers With Tougher Closure Powers
Australian State Targets Illegal Tobacco Retailers With Tougher Closure Powers
According to Reuters, Australia’s state of Victoria introduced legislation to give police and the state tobacco licensing regulator stronger powers to shut businesses selling illegal tobacco, with non-compliant operators facing fines of more than A$2.4 million and up to 20 years in prison.
Jun.05
Nevada Considers Nearly Doubling Tobacco Taxes, With $65 Million in New Revenue Expected From Expanded Nicotine Levies
Nevada Considers Nearly Doubling Tobacco Taxes, With $65 Million in New Revenue Expected From Expanded Nicotine Levies
Health groups in Nevada are urging lawmakers to nearly double the state cigarette tax and extend similar tax changes to other nicotine products, including e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches.
Jul.17