On Heated Tobacco Products and the Importance of Science-Based Assessments and Product Classification

Proper assessment of heated tobacco products (HTPs), which are alternatives to cigarettes that heat rather than burn tobacco, is necessary to gain a full understanding of both the potential risks and benefits of these newer products. This includes understanding differences in HTP aerosol compared to cigarette smoke. Recent publications have attempted to characterize HTP emissions in order to provide guidance on relative risk and classification. However, improper representation of studies and misinterpretation of how products are designed and used has led to confusion about the relative risk of HTPs compared to cigarettes. This commentary provides clarification on these important issues with a focus on classification of emissions from the device.