The Emerging Health Risks of E-cigarette and HNB Tobacco

Sep.24.2024
The Emerging Health Risks of E-cigarette and HNB Tobacco
Vietnam Public Health University President Dr. Hoàng Văn Minh shared latest research on youth e-cigarette and HNB tobacco use.

According to a recent report by Vietnamese media VnExpress, Professor Hoàng Văn Minh, President of the Vietnam Public Health University, shared the latest research findings at a symposium on "New Tobacco Harm Prevention and Control: Exchange of Scientific Evidence and Global Experience" held in Hanoi.


The research findings from Professor Huang Wenming show that between October and December 2023, his research team surveyed 3801 students from grades six to twelve in 11 provinces and cities in Vietnam. The results revealed that 14% of students had tried e-cigarettes, with 7% using them in the past 30 days. As for the use of HNB tobacco, 1.8% of students had tried it and 1% were still using it in the past 30 days.


Research also shows that 10.6% of students believe that e-cigarettes are harmless or less harmful than traditional tobacco. At the same time, 3% of students hold the same view about HNB tobacco. Professor Huang pointed out that many people misunderstand or overlook the potential risks of using e-cigarettes and HNB tobacco. He emphasized that, in addition to nicotine in tobacco, the aerosol components in e-cigarettes and HNB tobacco may also pose health risks. While some spices are safe when ingested through the digestive system, they may be harmful when inhaled through the respiratory system. Additionally, aerosols may contain heavy metals and other impurities, further increasing health risks.


Experts also stated that the fashionable appearance, rich flavors, and carefully crafted advertising campaigns of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HNB) have led many, especially young people, to mistakenly believe that these products are safer than traditional tobacco. Professor Huang called for immediate action to be taken to establish and implement strict regulatory policies.


We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Product | IQOS ILUMA i REMIX Limited Edition Launches in Japan, Bringing New Design Elements to Heated Tobacco Devices
Product | IQOS ILUMA i REMIX Limited Edition Launches in Japan, Bringing New Design Elements to Heated Tobacco Devices
Philip Morris Japan (PM Japan) has introduced the IQOS ILUMA i REMIX Limited Edition series, including the IQOS ILUMA i Prime REMIX, IQOS ILUMA i REMIX and IQOS ILUMA i ONE REMIX devices. The limited-edition models were officially announced in Japan on June 9, 2026, and began a phased market rollout from June 10. Featuring gradient color designs and visual customization elements, the collection highlights PMI’s continued use of limited editions to enhance brand experience within its heated tobacco portfolio.
Innovation
Jul.21 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Science | International Experts Propose a New Smoking Cessation Pathway, Citing Higher Quit Rates With E-Cigarettes Than Nicotine Replacement Therapy
Science | International Experts Propose a New Smoking Cessation Pathway, Citing Higher Quit Rates With E-Cigarettes Than Nicotine Replacement Therapy
A new expert paper in JAMA urges U.S. clinicians to include nicotine e-cigarettes in smoking-cessation discussions, citing higher quit rates than nicotine replacement therapy. It also stresses that products must deliver enough nicotine to replace cigarettes, dual use should be brief, and complete switching is the goal. 2Firsts argues the recommendations matter beyond clinics: public-health professionals should reassess relative risk, regulators should preserve sufficient product appeal for adult smokers, and manufacturers should focus on helping users quit cigarettes more sustainably.
SCIENCE
Aug.03 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Indonesia’s BNN Pushes Total Vape Ban as Health Ministry Tightens Tobacco Packaging Rules, Putting $40 Billion Industry at Risk
Indonesia’s BNN Pushes Total Vape Ban as Health Ministry Tightens Tobacco Packaging Rules, Putting $40 Billion Industry at Risk
Indonesia is entering a new phase of debate over vape and tobacco regulation. The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) has proposed a total vape ban, with some lawmakers supporting stronger restrictions. At the same time, the Health Ministry is advancing tobacco and nicotine regulations under Government Regulation No. 28/2024, including measures such as plain packaging and product controls. Tobacco and vape industries have warned that tighter rules could affect a sector worth around $40 billion, supporting about 6 million jobs and contributing significant tax revenue.
Jul.27
JT’s Ploom Volumes Rise 43.5% as Cigarettes Anchor Its Transition
JT’s Ploom Volumes Rise 43.5% as Cigarettes Anchor Its Transition
JT’s Ploom heated-tobacco volumes rose 43.5% in the first half of 2026, while combustibles still represented about 97% of its tobacco volume and remained the main earnings base. In Japan, reduced-risk products now account for 48.7% of industry shipments, shifting competition from category adoption towards brand share, pricing and consumer retention. JT’s results offer a revealing case of a traditional tobacco company pursuing a prolonged, dual-track transformation.
JTI
Jul.30
Germany Seizes 56 Pallets of Illegal Vapes, Probe Estimates €1.8 Million Tax Loss
Germany Seizes 56 Pallets of Illegal Vapes, Probe Estimates €1.8 Million Tax Loss
German authorities have seized dozens of pallets of illegal disposable vapes in a criminal investigation, with the products estimated to have caused at least €1.8 million in tax losses. The case has also raised concerns over cross-border supply chains linked to unauthorized nicotine products entering the European market.
Jul.14
Retail Case Study | Wisconsin Vape Market One Year After New Regulations: Johnny Vapes Reports 80% Sales Decline as Consumers Shift Online and Across State Lines
Retail Case Study | Wisconsin Vape Market One Year After New Regulations: Johnny Vapes Reports 80% Sales Decline as Consumers Shift Online and Across State Lines
According to WNCY on August 24, 2026, some independent vape retailers in Wisconsin say they have faced significant business pressure one year after new vape regulations took effect. Johnny Vapes, a retailer operating in northeast Wisconsin, said its store count fell from seven locations to four, sales declined by about 80%, and roughly 90% of its inventory was affected. Retailers said some consumers have shifted to online purchases or traveled to neighboring Michigan to buy vape products. The case highlights how local regulations can reshape retail operations, inventory management and consumer purchasing patterns.
Aug.28