Philip Morris International (PMI), citing a data survey in Germany, highlights the low interest of teenagers in heated cigarette products (HTP). The product will not nurture a new generation of smokers. In addition, the utilization rate of vapes that can be added and reused within 30 days is 3.9%, and the utilization rate of disposable vapes is 6.7%, which is 10-20 times that of HTP products (0.3%).
HTP products are rarely used by adolescents and will not become a popular trend.
The German Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA), a survey on youth cigarette consumption by Philip Philip International (PMI), has revealed that heated cigarette commodities (HTP) are not attractive to minors and contrary to public warnings. The product will not cause a new generation of smokers, Lebensmittel Praxis reported on November 5.
BZGA regularly checks the use of cigarettes and tobacco tar products by minors aged 12 to 17 and young people aged 18 to 25. There were 7,001 respondents. Its data is known as one of the most reliable for relevant age groups in Germany. Its 2023 survey report is published at the end of May 2024. The latest findings show that minors are not interested in HTP products, which runs counter to previous public warnings. The use of traditional flammable tobacco products such as tobacco and hookahs continues to decline among adolescents. At present, the utilization rate of traditional tobacco is 7.4% and that of hookah tobacco is 3.9%.
BZGA noted that the overall level of use of vapes and HTP products among minors is low. According to PMI, the utilization rate of vapes that can be reused within 30 days is 3.9%, and the utilization rate of single-use vapes is 6.7%, which is 10-20 times that of HTP products (0.3%).
Dr. Alexander Nussbaum, Head of scientific and medical affairs at PMI, commented,
- “Utilization of HTP products among adolescents remains low, refuting speculation that these products are consciously looking at a new generation of smokers.” The data shows that HTP products are used almost exclusively by adults, which better meets the goal of protecting youth, and market participants have shown responsibility.”
According to the official, the possible reasons for youth’s disinterest in HTP products lie in their limited taste options, responsible product presentation, and effective age requirements.
- “Not only are laws and regulations effective, PMI’s alternative marketing methods also play an important role. Science-based regulations and a responsible manufacturer marketing approach are taking effect. Prevention research needs to look carefully at what prevention measures are not working and what measures are working.”
- “Tar products without burning tobacco still present preventable health risks. While the law prohibits their use by people under the age of 18, their use by minors should be the focus of prevention. However, this should not ignore the needs of the estimated 20 million adult smokers. Some of them have been smoking for decades and are at high risk for subsequent diseases.”
