Three out of four people would recommend to a smoking friend switch to heated tobacco devices. This is what emerges from one Research, presented today in Rome at the Civita Association, conducted byPiepoli Institute in collaboration with Adiconsum, the Consumers' Association, and with the contribution of Philip Morris Italy.
The investigation entitled “The habits and opinions of adult consumers of heated tobacco products” involved 1.229 adult consumers of heated tobacco products, including IQOS. The research aimed to explore consumers' use and opinions on this new technology in the tobacco sector, providing a detailed overview of their behaviors and perceptions.
Heated tobacco is 70% better than traditional tobacco
70% of those interviewed believe that heated tobacco products can be auseful alternative for adult smokers who they don't want to stop completely of smoking traditional cigarettes.
The data is supported by the fact that almost two thirds of consumers do not see a return to traditional smoking as likely. Additionally, more than 70% of participants find it easy to make the transition from traditional tobacco products to heated tobacco devices, and nearly 75% would recommend a smoking friend make the same switch.
About 60% of those interviewed has been using heated tobacco devices for more than a year. Furthermore, the number of people reporting feeling better (with less coughing and improved breathing) after switching from traditional products to heated tobacco devices increases with time of use.
“Most of those who are who switched from traditional smoking products to heated tobacco products found personal benefits, and around two-thirds believe a return to traditional smoking products is very unlikely. What also seems to emerge, however, is a profound need for information, so much so that the majority of those interviewed ask to continue scientific research on the differences between traditional products and heated tobacco products" he declared Livio Gigliuto, Executive President ofPiepoli Institute.
“We welcomed the invitation of the Piepoli Institute, with which we collaborate, to participate in the research on habits and opinions of adult consumers of heated tobacco products. Without prejudice to the fact that everyone's objective must be to reduce the number of smokers in general, this research has made it possible to highlight the need to be adequately informed about the health risks, but above all about the possible benefits that can derive from switching from traditional smoking to alternative products (see heated tobacco)” he commented Charles DeMasi, the President of Addiconsum.
The importance of staying informed and word of mouth
Many consumers mistakenly believe that nicotine is the main risk factor for the development of smoking-related diseases, although the scientific community agrees that, despite having risks and causing addiction, nicotine is not the main risk factor for these diseases. This highlights the need for one better information on the relationship between smoking and health.
The main source of information regardingexistence of heated tobacco devices for the interviewees it was the Word of mouth among friends, relatives and acquaintances, representing 55% of the responses. Tobacconists follow, with 34% of the responses. Only a residual 2% obtained information on this new technology from healthcare professionals.
The role of institutions
Around 70% of those interviewed believe that it is the duty of the State and health institutions to encourage smokers who do not want to quit to evaluate the use of alternative products and to provide more information on their characteristics.
Respondents believe that, in light of the scientific evidence suggesting that heated tobacco devices may represent a safer alternative, these products should be subject to a different regulation than traditional tobacco products.
Furthermore, almost 90% of those interviewed believe it is important to continue scientific research on the differences between heated tobacco products and traditional cigarettes.
“In scientific discussions, the topic of smoking is linked to the topic of cancer prevention. Clearly it is not possible to force people to stop smoking, but then we must work to reduce the damage that these products risk causing to their consumers. Companies are already trying, but it is a discussion that must be supported by scientific research at an international and Italian level", the vice-president of the Social Affairs commission of the Chamber of Deputies said at the conference, Luciano Ciocchetti.
The member of the Budget Commission at the Chamber of Deputies, Ylenja Lucaselli, also spoke at the presentation of the research.
