Heated tobacco products (HTPs), such as Philip Morris International's IQOS, are gaining popularity as alternatives to traditional cigarettes. These products use battery-powered systems to heat tobacco, producing a nicotine aerosol without combustion. However, the regulatory landscape for HTPs is complex and evolving, particularly in the United States and under the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).The research article "Heated tobacco product regulation under US law and the FCTC" by Lempert and Glantz provides critical insights into how HTPs should be regulated to protect public health. This blog aims to help practitioners understand the key findings and implications of this research and how they can apply these insights in their practice.
Understanding the Regulatory Landscape
The U.S. Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (TCA) grants the FDA authority to regulate tobacco products, including HTPs. The TCA requires premarket authorization for all tobacco products and prohibits marketing them with "modified risk" claims without substantial scientific evidence.The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) provides a global framework for tobacco control, urging parties to implement stringent measures to reduce tobacco use and prevent misleading advertising. Although the FCTC does not explicitly mention HTPs, its principles apply to all tobacco products, including new and emerging ones.
Key Findings from the Research
The research highlights several critical points:
- HTPs should be regulated as strictly as traditional tobacco products, including restrictions on labeling, advertising, promotion, sales to minors, and smokefree measures.
- Philip Morris International's MRTP application for IQOS failed to provide adequate scientific evidence to support claims that it is less harmful than conventional cigarettes.
- HTPs' marketing strategies, including separating non-tobacco components from tobacco sticks, aim to evade existing tobacco control laws.
- Countries should ensure that all components of HTPs are subject to tobacco control laws to prevent loopholes.
Practical Applications for Practitioners
Practitioners can play a crucial role in advocating for effective regulation of HTPs. Here are some steps to consider:
- Stay informed about the latest research and regulatory developments related to HTPs.
- Advocate for comprehensive tobacco control policies that include all components of HTPs.
- Educate clients, particularly youth and adolescents, about the risks associated with HTPs and the importance of complete cessation rather than switching to HTPs.
- Collaborate with policymakers and public health organizations to close regulatory loopholes and ensure that HTPs are not marketed with misleading claims.
Encouraging Further Research
The field of HTP regulation is rapidly evolving, and further research is needed to understand their long-term health impacts fully. Practitioners are encouraged to contribute to this body of knowledge by:
- Conducting or supporting studies on the health effects of HTPs.
- Sharing findings with the broader public health community to inform evidence-based policy decisions.
- Participating in professional forums and discussions to stay updated on emerging trends and best practices.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link:
Heated tobacco product regulation under US law and the FCTC.
