Comparative review of chemical composition and toxicological evaluation of heated tobacco products compared to regular combustible cigarettes

Heated tobacco products (HTPs) are a new category of tobacco products that deliver nicotine by heating tobacco at temperatures of 300–350 °C, thereby avoiding the combustion process typical of conventional cigarettes (CCs). A comprehensive comparative review of the scientific literature was conducted, including independent studies and regulatory assessments by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European agencies (BfR, RIVM), as well as data from international laboratories that are members of the WHO TobLabNet network. In addition, data from peer-reviewed studies conducted by the THS manufacturer—approved for publication and available in the ClinicalTrials.gov database—were examined. Emission data for harmful and potentially harmful constituents (HPHCs) were analyzed under standardized testing conditions. HTPs demonstrate a significantly reduced chemical and toxicological profile compared to CCs due to the absence of combustion. These findings support the potential of HTPs as an alternative with markedly reduced risk for adult CC smokers who are unable or unwilling to quit tobacco use completely.