How Heated Tobacco Products Work: Understanding Heat-Not-Burn Technology

Heated tobacco products—also known as heat-not-burn (HNB) devices—work by heating real tobacco to a controlled temperature that releases a nicotine-containing aerosol without burning the tobacco. Because the tobacco is heated rather than combusted, HNB products typically produce lower levels of certain harmful chemicals compared with traditional cigarettes, while still offering a tobacco-derived experience that is different from vaping.

 

1. What Is Heat-Not-Burn?

Heat-not-burn (HNB) refers to a tobacco-heating technology that warms processed tobacco to a controlled temperature high enough to release nicotine and flavor, but not high enough to cause combustion. Unlike traditional cigarettes, which burn at 600–900°C, HNB devices typically operate within a much lower temperature range of 250–350°C.

 

a. How the Technology Works

HNB devices use an internal heating element—such as a blade, pin, or induction system—to gradually warm a specially designed tobacco stick. When the tobacco reaches the programmed temperature, it produces a nicotine-containing aerosol, not smoke. Since there is no burning, there is also no ash, less smell, and significantly fewer combustion-related toxicants.

 

b. Heat-Not-Burn vs. Combustion

• Cigarettes burn, producing smoke that contains thousands of chemicals, including tar and high levels of toxicants.
• HNB devices heat the tobacco, reducing the formation of harmful by-products generated from burning. Because of this difference, organizations such as the U.S. FDA have reported that heated tobacco can produce lower levels of certain harmful chemicals compared with cigarette smoke, though it is not risk-free.

c. Heat-Not-Burn vs. Vaping

The main difference between HNB and vaping lies in the material being heated:

• Vaping devices heat e-liquid made of PG/VG, nicotine, and flavorings.
• HNB products heat real tobacco, creating an experience closer to smoking, including tobacco aroma and throat sensation.

Vaping operates at even lower temperatures (typically 200–250°C) and does not involve tobacco leaf material, which leads to a different chemical profile and user experience.

 

2. Inside a Heated Tobacco Device

Heated tobacco devices are designed to precisely control temperature and airflow to release nicotine and flavor without burning the tobacco. Understanding the internal components helps explain why HNB products differ from cigarettes and vaping.

 

a. Heating Methods: Blade, Induction, and Conduction

HNB devices typically use one of three heating technologies:

1. Heating blade – a thin metal element inserted directly into the tobacco stick, rapidly warming the tobacco from the inside.
2. Induction heating – uses electromagnetic energy to heat a metal component surrounding the tobacco stick, allowing uniform heating without direct contact.
3. Conduction heating – heats the tobacco stick from the surface, transferring heat inward. This method is common in earlier HNB devices and may result in slightly uneven heating.

Each method affects aerosol formation, flavor release, and device maintenance, but all aim to keep the tobacco below combustion temperatures (~350°C).

 

b. Heated Tobacco Stick Structure

A typical HNB tobacco stick contains:

• Processed tobacco – finely shredded or reconstituted, sometimes with added glycerin or humectants to aid vapor formation.
• Filter section – reduces harshness and can trap some particulates.
• Cooling segment – at the tip to prevent the aerosol from being too hot during inhalation.

This design ensures that users experience a tobacco-like taste and throat sensation without the smoke and ash produced by traditional cigarettes.

 

c. How Aerosol Forms

When the tobacco stick reaches the target temperature:

1. Moisture and humectants vaporize.
2. Nicotine and flavor compounds are released in a visible aerosol.
3. Users inhale the aerosol, which carries nicotine to the lungs, providing the characteristic nicotine “hit.”

Because there is no combustion, HNB aerosol contains fewer harmful combustion by-products like tar and carbon monoxide, although it still contains nicotine and some toxicants.

 

3. What’s Released When You Heat Tobacco?

When tobacco is heated in a heat-not-burn (HNB) device, it releases an aerosol that contains nicotine, flavor compounds, and a mixture of chemical constituents. While HNB products reduce certain harmful chemicals compared with cigarette smoke, they are not completely free of toxic substances.

 

a. Chemical Composition

Research shows that HNB aerosol typically contains:

• Nicotine – comparable to a cigarette, providing the characteristic nicotine effect and potential for dependence.
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – lower than in smoke but still present。
• Carbonyl compounds (e.g., formaldehyde, acetaldehyde) – significantly reduced compared with cigarette smoke, but detectable.
• Particulate matter – smaller quantity than cigarette smoke, yet inhaled into the lungs.

 

b. Evidence from Scientific Studies

• The FDA has acknowledged that HNB products produce lower levels of certain harmful chemicals compared with conventional cigarettes, but emphasized that they are not risk-free.
• WHO and NIH highlight that HNB aerosols still contain nicotine and toxicants, and the long-term health effects are not fully understood.
• Independent studies suggest that exposure to HNB aerosol may still affect cardiovascular function and lung health, especially in heavy or long-term users.

By understanding the chemical composition, users can make informed decisions about risk reduction, recognizing that HNB products reduce harm but do not eliminate it.

 

4. Benefits and Potential Risks of Heated Tobacco

Heated tobacco (heat-not-burn, HNB) products are designed to provide a tobacco experience with potentially reduced exposure to harmful chemicals compared with traditional cigarettes. However, they are not risk-free, and understanding both benefits and risks is essential for informed decision-making.

 

a. Potential Benefits

1) Reduced Harmful Chemicals

• Studies show that HNB aerosol contains lower levels of tar, carbon monoxide, and certain volatile organic compounds compared with cigarette smoke.
• This reduction may translate to lower short-term exposure to some toxicants, though long-term health effects remain under investigation.

2) Less Odor and Residue

• Because the tobacco is heated rather than burned, HNB products produce minimal smoke and lingering odor, which can be less intrusive to others.

3) Convenience and Usability

• Devices are rechargeable, portable, and produce no ash, allowing use in environments where traditional smoking is inconvenient.
• The user retains a tobacco-like flavor and throat sensation, providing a familiar experience for smokers.

b. Potential Risks

1) Nicotine Dependence

• HNB sticks still contain nicotine, which is addictive and can sustain or increase dependence.
• Non-smokers and youth should avoid using HNB products due to addiction risk.

2) Chemical Exposure

• Although reduced, HNB aerosol still contains carbonyls, VOCs, and particulate matter, which may affect lung and cardiovascular health.
• Long-term studies are limited, and chronic health impacts are not fully understood.

3) Device Maintenance Issues

• Inadequate cleaning of the heating element may lead to residual buildup, burnt taste, or reduced device efficiency.
• Following manufacturer guidelines is important to maintain both safety and performance.

4) Not a Complete Smoking Cessation Solution

• HNB products are not risk-free alternatives and should not be assumed to eliminate health risks associated with tobacco.
• Users looking to quit nicotine entirely should consider evidence-based cessation methods.

 

5. Who Should Consider Heated Tobacco?

Heated tobacco products are primarily designed as an alternative for adult smokers seeking a reduced-exposure option. Understanding who may benefit—and who should avoid them—is key.

Suitable for:

• Current adult smokers who want a tobacco experience with less odor, ash, and some reduction in harmful chemicals.
• Smokers looking to reduce exposure for themselves or others, such as in shared living spaces or indoor environments.
• Users transitioning from combustible cigarettes and seeking a product that maintains tobacco taste and nicotine satisfaction.

Not recommended for:

• Non-smokers or youth, due to nicotine addiction risk.
• Individuals aiming to fully quit nicotine, as HNB products still contain nicotine and may sustain dependence.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, since nicotine can harm fetal and infant development.

HNB products are not intended as a complete cessation tool, but rather as a potential harm-reduction alternative for adult smokers.

Final Thoughts

Heat-not-burn (HNB) technology provides a tobacco experience with some reduction in harmful chemicals compared with conventional cigarettes. It offers benefits such as less odor, no ash, and convenience, while still delivering nicotine through a tobacco-derived aerosol.

However, HNB products are not risk-free. They still contain nicotine and other toxicants, and long-term health effects remain uncertain. Adult smokers considering HNB should weigh these factors carefully, follow device usage and cleaning guidelines, and remain informed about current research and regulatory recommendations.

In summary, heated tobacco can be a potentially lower-exposure alternative for adult smokers, but it is not a safe product for non-smokers, youth, or those seeking complete nicotine cessation. Understanding the benefits and limitations is essential for making an informed choice.