Local research shows that heat-not-burn tobacco products could not help quitting

 

The University of Hong Kong investigated HNB tobacco product use in relation to quitting in local smokers who had intention to quit. The smokers were followed up for 6 months. While smoking reduction and cessation were the major reasons for HNB tobacco product use, HNB users were no different from non-users in terms of cigarette abstinence and quit attempts at 3- and 6-month follow-ups. In contrast, smokers who used smoking cessation services during first 3 months of the study were 70% more likely to abstain from cigarettes at 6-month follow-up, compared with those who did not used the services. The findings highlight that smokers who need helps for quitting should seek smoking cessation services, which are empirically proved effective, rather than HNB tobacco products and other alternative smoking products. 

 

All forms of smoking products, including HNB tobacco products, are harmful. COSH encourages smokers to quit smoking with recognized methods. Smokers may seek help from the Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline 1833183 which offers cessation information and access to different cessation services. To protect public health and nip in the bulb, COSH strongly urges the Legislative Council to pass the bill for a total ban on alternative smoking products, including e-cigarettes and heat-not-burn tobacco products, as soon as possible. The Government should also formulate a timeline for a total ban on smoking to achieve smoke-free Hong Kong.