Smokers’ group welcomes heat-not-burn tobacco report

Forest, the smokers’ group, has welcomed a report that studied the risk of using heat-not-burn tobacco products.

According to a report by the Committee of Toxicology (COT) for Public Health England, consumers using heat-not-burn products are exposed to between 50 and 90 per cent fewer harmful and potentially harmful chemicals compared with conventional cigarettes.

Simon Clark, director of Forest, said: “It’s vital consumers are given as much information as possible so they can make informed choices about the nicotine products they use.

“It’s clear from this report that while there may still be a risk, heat-not-burn products are significantly safer than traditional cigarettes.

“There is no reason therefore for governments to restrict or discourage their use.”

Welcoming heat-not-burn tobacco products, Clark added: “Electronic cigarettes are a step too far for many smokers so if the government wants smokers to quit there has to be a range of products that fills the gap between combustible tobacco and e-cigarettes.

“Heat-not-burn products could encourage many more smokers to quit combustible tobacco because it’s obvious that millions are resistant to e-cigarettes.

“Choice is paramount so if ministers are tempted to target heat-not-burn products with excessive regulations they would be making a big mistake.”