A new paper in the Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry states next generation 'heated' tobacco devices - confusing to the public because heating nicotine vapor is the mechanism behind e-cigarette devices - produce side-stream emissions similar to secondhand cigarette smoke.

Heated tobacco devices are similar to "e-cigarettes" except heated tobacco products actually contain blended or processed tobacco just like conventional cigarettes rather than just nicotine vapor. Heated tobacco products are claimed to work by heating cigarettes at a lower temperature to vaporize nicotine and flavorings which are then inhaled.

The study, conducted by Imperial Tobacco, owner of the e-cigarette brand "blu", tested a commercially available heated tobacco product called iQOS to assess whether the product generated side stream chemical emissions when activated.

"A number of tobacco manufacturers are promoting products where the tobacco is reportedly 'heated' rather than burned. It has been claimed these products don't produce side stream emissions," explained Dr. Steve Stotesbury, Head of Scientific Regulatory Engagement, Imperial Tobacco. "However, our findings suggest those claims are wrong and that actually, when activated, heated tobacco products release a large number of different chemical compounds into the surrounding airspace. Further research on heated tobacco products is clearly needed.

"By way of comparison, we also investigated side stream emissions from a Nicorette inhalator and an e-cigarette. The findings highlight the fundamental differences between tobacco and non-tobacco products. While e-cigarettes and pharmaceutical nicotine inhalators share very similar chemical characteristics, the heated tobacco product emissions suggest these devices should fall under the same regulation as regular cigarettes when it comes to indoor use and smoke-free legislation."