IQOS: toxic components present at higher levels than in conventional cigarette smoke

Independent studies and a review of data from Philip Morris data highlight the presence of certain toxic and potentially toxic components in IQOS aerosol at levels higher than those found in cigarette smoke. For the researchers, these results demonstrate that IQOS cannot be considered a harm reduction tool, and call for additional and independent studies to accurately assess the dangerousness of Philip Morris heated tobacco.

The 341 published studies on IQOS were categorized. Philip Morris-sponsored research (25% of the total) focused on three different topics: IQOS toxicity (33 studies), chemical analysis (30 studies), and human health (18 studies). The studies identified as independent, however, covered a broader field of study: the researchers counted 39 studies on the chemical analysis of IQOS, 22 studies on its toxicity, 42 on human health, but also 34 studies on marketing and advertising, 19 on regulation, and 90 on the perception, prevalence and use of IQOS.[1].

Nicotine yield: similar results across studies

Independent studies, and studies produced or funded by Philip Morris International, do not show significant differences in nicotine yield. Regardless of the source of the data collected, studies on the subject show that the nicotine yield of IQOS is approximately 65% of that of a standard manufactured cigarette.

Reduced exposure to some toxic components in IQOS

Independent studies such as the Philip Morris studies show that IQOS results in a reduction in exposure to certain toxic and potentially toxic components listed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), compared to conventional manufactured cigarettes. However, the FDA, which publishes a list of toxic and potentially toxic components, has recently been criticized for not having listed a certain number of components, despite the proven toxicity of the latter, in particular for their pulmonary and cardiovascular impact. Reducing exposure to certain toxic components does not necessarily translate into a reduction in risks. As the researchers point out, variability in exposure could result in different effects, and varying severity of diseases. As such, IQOS heated tobacco, which has been authorized for marketing in the United States as a reduced exposure product, prohibits the manufacturer from claim risk reduction.

Toxic components higher than those found in cigarette smoke

However, many studies, the vast majority of which are independent, highlight that certain toxic and potentially toxic components are present in greater quantities in IQOS aerosol than in cigarette smoke. This is particularly the case for glycidol, which an independent report shows is 400% more present in IQOS than in conventional cigarettes, while the International Agency for Research on Cancer has identified it as a probable carcinogen. According to the researchers, these results demonstrate the need to conduct independent analyses of IQOS aerosol, in particular to identify components with unknown potential for toxicity.

IQOS: an indoor air pollutant

Contrary to Philip Morris’ research, independent studies show that indoor particulate exposures do not return to baseline levels shortly after device use, demonstrating that IQOS is an indoor air pollutant. However, sources, both independent and from PMI, have highlighted that the air pollution generated by IQOS is at lower levels than that of conventional cigarettes, shisha pipes, e-cigarettes, incense, or mosquito repellent sprays.

FT