The US Food and Drug Administration has cleared a heat-not-burn tobacco device designed as an alternative to conventional cigarettes, for sale in the United States.

The product consists of a tube that gently heats up sticks of tobacco instead of burning them, making what is inhaled less harmful than conventional cigarette smoke.

The FDA said the marketing of the devices is “appropriate” for public health because “the products produce fewer or lower levels of some toxins than combustible cigarettes.” The agency also said it has placed stringent marketing restrictions on the products in an effort to prevent minors from using the device.

The review, which took almost 2 years, took into consideration the risks and benefits to the population as a whole. It included how the products may impact youth use of nicotine and tobacco, and the potential for the products to completely move adult smokers away from use of combustible cigarettes.

By using heat instead of flame the device eliminates 90-95% of toxic compounds in cigarette smoke.

Dr KK Aggarwal

Padma Shri Awardee

President Elect Confederation of Medical Associations in Asia and Oceania   (CMAAO)

Group Editor-in-Chief IJCP Publications

President Heart Care Foundation of India

Past National President IMA