Summary
Introduction:
This text is a summary and analysis of a scientific study examining Philip Morris International's (PMI) claim that their heated tobacco product, IqOS, reduces exposure to harmful chemicals compared to traditional cigarettes. The study was conducted by researchers Gideon St.helen, Peyton Jacob III, Natalie Nardone, and Neal L Benowitz. The text provides an overview of the study design, key findings, and the main message of the study.
Key Points:
* PMI's MRTP application for IqOS includes studies on aerosol chemistry and human exposure assessment.
* The study found that IqOS emissions contain lower levels of several harmful or potentially harmful constituents (hPhCs) compared to traditional cigarettes.
* however, IqOS emissions also contain higher levels of other substances that are not recognized as hPhCs by the FDa.
* PMI's human exposure studies show that use of IqOS is associated with significantly lower systemic exposure to some hPhCs compared with smoking traditional cigarettes.
* The impact of these other substances on the overall toxicity or harm of IqOS is not known.
* The study highlights the importance of examining PMI's studies, results, and interpretation of data before FDa approval to protect public health.
* The study also recommends that manufacturers of heated tobacco products undertake non-targeted chemical analyses to identify potentially toxic chemicals in hTP emissions that may not be present in tobacco smoke.
Main Message:
The main message of the text is that while PMI's studies show that IqOS reduces exposure to some harmful chemicals, it also contains higher levels of other substances that are not recognized as hPhCs by the FDa. The impact of these other substances on the overall toxicity or harm of IqOS is not known. Therefore, it is crucial for regulatory agencies like the FDa to carefully examine the data and interpretation of studies before approving MRTP applications for heated tobacco products like IqOS. The study also emphasizes the importance of non-targeted chemical analyses to identify potentially toxic chemicals in hTP emissions that may not be present in tobacco smoke. Overall, the text highlights the need for a cautious and thorough approach to regulating new tobacco products to protect public health.
Citation
St.helen, Gideon, Peyton Jacob Iii, Natalie Nardone, and Neal L Benowitz. “IqOS: Examination of Philip Morris International’s Claim of Reduced Exposure.” Tobacco Control 27, no. Suppl 1 (November 2018): s30–36. https://doi.org/10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2018-054321.
