What are heated tobacco products?
Heat-not-burn tobacco products are shaped like small cigarettes that are inserted into an electronic device. The device heats the tobacco to temperatures of up to 550°C, compared to approximately 900°C during the combustion of traditional cigarettes. This process generates an aerosol containing nicotine and other chemicals, which the user inhales.
What's the problem?
Heated tobacco products contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can cause cardiovascular problems. Heating tobacco also releases substances that are harmful to health.
These products therefore pose a risk of developing lung and cardiovascular diseases, as well as certain types of cancer. However, the long-term health effects have not yet been fully established by research.
In adolescents, nicotine can also impair attention span, learning abilities, and emotional regulation.
To date, however, there is relatively little data available on the short- and long-term health effects of heated tobacco products. Tobacco companies emphasize the “innovative” or “harm reduction” aspects of these products in their marketing, even though the limited independent scientific data available indicate a level of exposure to toxic substances similar to that of conventional cigarettes. Furthermore, these types of devices maintain nicotine dependence and may even delay complete cessation of tobacco use.
Secondhand smoke
Passive exposure to the fumes from these products can affect the health of people who are nearby and might inhale them—that is, the effects are comparable to those of secondhand smoke from conventional cigarettes.
The advertisement specifically targets young people
Advertising campaigns by the tobacco and nicotine industries make extensive use of social media to attract the attention of young people, which increases their risk of taking up the habit.
How many young people use drugs?
Among 15-year-olds, rates of use of heated tobacco products more than tripled between 2018 and 2022. 2% of 14-year-olds and 3% of 15-year-olds have used them in the past 30 days (HBSC, 2022).
Among 15- to 19-year-olds, about 3% use heated tobacco products at least occasionally; about 1% do so daily (ESL, 2025).
Use of various tobacco products
at least once in the past 30 days,
among 15-year-olds
(in %; HBSC 2022)
What is the legal framework?
Under the Federal Act on Tobacco Products and Electronic Cigarettes (LTab), in effect since October1, 2024, the supply of tobacco products (cigarettes, heated tobacco products, electronic cigarettes / e-cigarettes, snus, snuff, cigars, etc.) and nicotine products (electronic cigarettes and nicotine pouches) to minors is prohibited. This prohibition applies to both vending machines and online stores: any violation is punishable by law. The minimum age for the sale of tobacco products and nicotine products is set at 18 throughout Switzerland. Every point of sale must display this prohibition in a visible and legible manner.
For more detailsIn short, what should you keep in mind?
- 1.Heated tobacco products contain tobacco and nicotine: tobacco is a carcinogen, and nicotine is a highly addictive substance that harms the cardiovascular system.
- 2.Contrary to what the tobacco industry claims, these products do not pose a lower health risk.
- 3.They perpetuate nicotine dependence and may delay complete cessation of tobacco use.
- 4.Among tobacco products, heated tobacco is one of the least commonly used by young people, and daily use is rare.
- 5.In Switzerland, their supply (sale and free distribution) is prohibited to those under 18 years of age.
How can we talk to young people about this?
Before discussing this with young people, it’s helpful to feel comfortable with the topic and have a few pointers to help get the conversation started. As parents, teachers, or youth professionals, you’ll find more information on how to talk to young people about this in the “Your Role” section.