Heated Tobacco Gains Traction: Korean Study Offers Insights for US
A groundbreaking study from Seoul University is shedding light on the rising popularity of heated tobacco products (HTPs) and their potential impact on smoking cessation. The research, which analyzed data from over 4,500 Korean adults, suggests that HTPs are primarily luring smokers away from traditional cigarettes rather than attracting new users.
The findings, published by experts at the Institute of Business and Trade Economics, challenge concerns that HTPs could become a gateway for young people to start smoking. The study revealed that a staggering 99.4% of HTP users were former smokers of traditional cigarettes or were currently using both types of products, with only a minuscule 0.6% being new smokers.
"The study, which was carried out on approximately 4,514 adults, answered these claims that teenagers are interested in heated tobacco products and that they represent a new way to ‘ attract new smokers during adolescence they are less likely to choose heated tobacco products," the researchers affirmed.
They continued, "They prefer traditional cigarettes."
The study also paints a picture of a rapidly changing tobacco landscape in South Korea. Since the introduction of HTPs in 2017, sales have skyrocketed, capturing a significant portion of the market share previously held by traditional cigarettes. While HTPs represented a mere 2.2% of total tobacco sales in their debut year, they commanded a hefty 12% of the market by mid-2021.
This shift towards HTPs is viewed as a positive development for public health, considering the overwhelming scientific consensus that the combustion process in traditional cigarettes is the main culprit behind smoking-related illnesses.
HTPs, on the other hand, heat tobacco instead of burning it, mitigating many of the harmful effects associated with traditional smoking.
"Many scientific studies have proven that cigarette smoke as a result of the combustion process is the main cause of many of the damages caused by smoking, which to be avoided with products that depend on heating instead of burning,” the experts noted.
The researchers believe that the Korean experience offers valuable insights for policymakers worldwide grappling with tobacco control strategies.
They emphasized that understanding the factors driving the rapid adoption of HTPs is vital for crafting effective regulations, including taxation and market management.
The study revealed certain demographic trends: adult women, highly educated individuals, parents, office workers, and those with health concerns were more likely to switch from traditional cigarettes to HTPs. Interestingly, the study found that female adults aged 20 to 39 were more prone to embrace HTPs regardless of income, while men over 40 were more likely to switch if they had higher earnings.
With HTPs becoming increasingly popular globally, the Korean study’s findings are likely to spark further research and debate about their role in the fight against traditional smoking and their potential implications for public health in the United States and beyond.
