TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Taiwan Health Promotion Administration issued a warning about the health risks associated with heated tobacco products on Friday (Jan. 5), citing a World Health Organization (WHO) study. The WHO's report, released on July 26, 2023, underlines that heated tobacco products are as harmful and addictive as traditional tobacco.
The report, titled "Heated Tobacco Products - Summary of Research and Evidence of Health Impacts," points out that marketing strategies of heated tobacco companies might mislead consumers into thinking these products are safer than traditional tobacco. It highlights that exposure to heated tobacco aerosols significantly increases nicotine concentration in the bloodstream, posing health risks similar to traditional tobacco.
The WHO study further reveals that heated tobacco emissions contain harmful and carcinogenic substances like formaldehyde and nitrosamines. It emphasizes that switching from traditional to heated tobacco does not reduce health risks and may encourage dual usage.
The Taiwan Health Promotion Administration reiterated that no heated tobacco products are approved for sale in Taiwan. The Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act prohibits the manufacturing, importation, sale, display, advertisement, or usage of such products in Taiwan, including bringing them into the country by travelers.
