Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry

Heated Tobacco Products Create Side-Stream Emissions: Implications for Regulation

Abstract

Grant O’Connell, Peter Wilkinson, Kerstin MM Burseg,Stephen J Stotesbury, John D Pritchard

A number of tobacco manufacturers are promoting products where the tobacco is reportedly “heated” rather than burned. It has been claimed that certain heated tobacco products produce only mainstream and no side-stream emissions. In this study we investigated these claims for a commercially available heated tobacco product and, by using a simple experimental design, investigated whether the high temperature heating of the tobacco matrix during product activation and use results in the generation of side-stream emissions. By way of comparison, the Nicorette® inhalator and a leading e-cigarette brand were also investigated. Our findings indicated that a large number of different chemical compounds were released into the airspace around the heated tobacco product when switched on and during consumer use indicating the generation of side-stream emissions. As the public health community has concluded there is no safe level of exposure to tobacco-containing product emissions, this would be of concern and warrants further investigation. Based on our data showing side-stream emissions from the tobacco matrix, the use of heated tobacco products in indoor public places should fall under the same regulations as cigarettes.