Every single day, people are trying to find new ways to lessen the negative impacts of smoking. Advances in knowledge of health risks have made room for traditionally less popular alternatives. E-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, as well as smokeless tobacco have become quite popular recently for their increased convenience, though they are often viewed as “healthier” options. But how safe are these products? Let’s simplify it.
Top 3 types of Tobacco Smoking Alternative Products
E-cigarettes
E-cigarettes work by heating a flavoured liquid containing nicotine and other chemicals, then users inhale the vapour. Some studies believe that these devices could expose users to lower amounts of toxins compared to traditional cigarettes. With all this being said, e-cigarettes are nowhere near being risk free.
Addiction still becomes an issue due to the presence of nicotine. Not to mention, there is alway the possibility of lung damage, especially from prolonged use. So, while there is a possibility that it will be less irritating on the throat, it will be more harmful to one’s health.
Heated tobacco
Devices like IQOS do not burn tobacco. They heat it instead, which decreases the emission of specific harmful chemicals. But make no mistake, the tobacco industry is still present. Some of their products are just as harmful. Nicotine and some other compounds are still present.
Some governments, including some in the EU, have even prohibited the sale of flavoured heated Tobacco Smoking Alternative Products due to increasing health risks. Smoke free is not a synonym for clean.
Smokeless tobacco
Snus, a moist powder meant to be put under the upper lip, can make one believe they’ve found a smokeless solution. But this doesn’t change the fact that it is a safe product. Snus contains nicotine along with many other harmful chemicals.
Research associates it with increased chances of cancer, heart problems, and issues during pregnancy. It’s a different form, but not a different outcome.
The Final Word
Every type of tobacco has its risks. To some degree, these alternatives may lessen certain exposures to some toxic substances, yet still remain dangerous. The best way to protect your health is to stop using tobacco in any form altogether.
Support groups and therapy, along with nicotine patches and some medications, make the process easier through proven methods.
