Comparison of hazard and toxicity of tobacco cigarettes, electronic nicotine delivery systems, and tobacco heating systems (IQOS) (review)

Abstract

The article presents current results of experimental and clinical studies focusing on effects of various nicotine delivery systems. The authors conducted a comparative analysis of the impact of tobacco cigarettes, electronic nicotine delivery devices, and IQOS tobacco heating systems on the health and development of humans and laboratory animals. The review of recent literature has shown that, despite ambitious statements of the manufacturers about complete safety of their devices, experiments have demonstrated that they release not only well-known carcinogens but also new, potentially hazardous substances. These substances are not contained in ordinary cigarettes, and their effects on the body has not been sufficiently studied. Presently, it seems very likely that the use of electronic cigarettes and IQOS can lead to diseases of the nervous, hematopoietic, immune, and
respiratory systems as well as to oncological diseases.