home page ← Buzz@Bruss! Edition #7 ← Not all clouds are equal
There is still widespread confusion among consumers and policymakers about the differences between the aerosols from non-combustible products – such as Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) and e-cigarettes (vapes) – and the smoke from combustible tobacco products (CTPs).
Heating vs. burning
The fundamental science, however, is quite clear. The heating of tobacco or e-liquids and the burning of tobacco are different in one critical aspect: while the aerosols from HTPs and vapes consist solely of gases and liquid droplets, the smoke from tobacco combustion also includes carbon-based solid particles. HTP and e-cigarette aerosols contain lower levels of select harmful and potentially harmful compounds compared to cigarette smoke.
Impact on air quality
The same is true when it comes to second-hand smoke and exhaled aerosol. Aerosols from HTPs and e-cigarettes form a visible mist upon exhalation, consisting primarily of liquid droplets. These droplets are composed of aerosol formers such as propylene glycol or glycerin, along with water, and have been reported to evaporate or shrink within 10 to 15 seconds. Tobacco smoke from CTPs, on the other hand, creates particles that are more stable and that can linger or reside in an indoor space much longer unless removed by ventilation.
Scientific studies have shown that the air quality in indoor spaces following the use of HTPs or vapes contains fewer and lower levels of harmful and potentially harmful substances compared to after the smoking of CTPs.
Empowering consumer choice
The products and their characteristics are very different – consumers should be aware of these differences inorder to make an informed choice. The forthcoming revision of the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) presents a critical opportunity for regulators to more clearly differentiate between combustible and non-combustible products. Treating these categories as identical risks perpetuating public confusion and undermines efforts to advance harm reduction.
In a cigarette, burning occurs at very high temperatures reaching more than 800°C creating ash, heat, light and smoke.
HTP heats tobacco below 400°C, lower than the temperature at which tobacco begins to burn.
1. Although PHE was dissolved in 2023, its research – conducted under rigorous public health and scientific standards – remains valid and continues to be cited in academic, regulatory, and policy contexts.
2. Meišutovič-Akhtarieva., M., et al. (2021). The Dynamics of Exhaled Aerosol Following the Usage of Heated Tobacco Product, Electronic Cigarette, and Conventional Cigarette. Aerosol and Air Quality Research
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#7
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