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.

Iowa Enforces Vape Registry Law as Retailers Warn Product Limits Could Increase Store Pressure
Iowa Enforces Vape Registry Law as Retailers Warn Product Limits Could Increase Store Pressure
Iowa has begun enforcing its vape registry law, requiring vape products to be registered before they can be legally sold in the state. The move follows a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit to lift an injunction that had blocked enforcement. Retailers have warned that tighter product availability rules could increase pressure on vape shops. One Iowa retailer said that if only a limited number of products remain available, many stores could face significant business challenges.
Aug.06
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
BAT Regional Director Fred Monteiro Supports Spain’s Nicotine Rules but Opposes 0.99mg Nicotine Pouch Limit
BAT Regional Director Fred Monteiro Supports Spain’s Nicotine Rules but Opposes 0.99mg Nicotine Pouch Limit
Spanish newspaper El Confidencial interviewed Fred Monteiro, Regional Director for Americas and Europe at British American Tobacco (BAT). Monteiro said BAT supports setting regulatory limits for nicotine products but opposes Spain’s proposed 0.99mg nicotine-per-pouch limit, arguing that such a restriction could affect adult smokers’ transition to alternatives. He said nicotine regulation should be based on scientific evidence and harm reduction principles. Monteiro also said smoke-free products now account for around 25% of BAT’s Americas and Europe business and nearly 30% of its Europe business
BAT
Jul.30
Australian Coalition Taskforce Calls for 80% Tobacco Tax Cut to Combat Illicit Market
Australian Coalition Taskforce Calls for 80% Tobacco Tax Cut to Combat Illicit Market
According to SGST on August 26, 2026, Australia’s Coalition Illegal Tobacco Taskforce released a report recommending an up to 80% cut in tobacco excise to reduce the appeal of the illicit tobacco market. The report claimed organised crime groups now control about 80% of Australia’s tobacco market and argued that high excise rates have widened the price gap between legal and illegal products. The recommendation remains a policy proposal and has not been adopted by the Australian government, which said its focus remains on enforcement, compliance and additional resources.
Aug.27
Elf Bar Vape Explosion and Amputation Claim Spurs Coverage Suit, U.S. Insurer MUSIC Seeks Ruling It Owes No Duty to Defend or Indemnify Distributor i5
Elf Bar Vape Explosion and Amputation Claim Spurs Coverage Suit, U.S. Insurer MUSIC Seeks Ruling It Owes No Duty to Defend or Indemnify Distributor i5
Mesa Underwriters Specialty Insurance Company has asked a federal court in Washington to declare that it has no duty to defend or indemnify vape distributor i5 Distribution in a product liability case involving an Elf Bar BC5000. The plaintiff alleges that the disposable vape caught fire and exploded in his pocket, causing severe burns and ultimately requiring an above-the-knee amputation of his left leg. MUSIC is relying on a tobacco, nicotine or nicotine replacement products exclusion and a premises limitation endorsement. The court has not ruled on the coverage dispute.
News
Sep.10
Philip Morris Romania Executive on Smoke-Free Strategy: How IQOS Spaces Are Moving Beyond Retail to Consumer Connection
Philip Morris Romania Executive on Smoke-Free Strategy: How IQOS Spaces Are Moving Beyond Retail to Consumer Connection
In an interview with Romanian marketing publication IQads, Marek Gębski, Director of Smoke-Free Products at Philip Morris Romania, said IQOS experience spaces are evolving from traditional retail locations into platforms for consumer engagement and brand connection. Through locations such as IQOS Boutique Victoriei, PMI aims to use design, culture and consumer experiences to strengthen communication with adult consumers about smoke-free products. The interview highlights how tobacco companies are expanding smoke-free strategies beyond products toward experiential marketing and consumer relationships.
Aug.11