The observed positive short-term effects of switching to our better alternatives to smoking

The high levels of harmful chemicals produced when tobacco is burned is the main cause of smoking-related diseases. But scientifically substantiated smoke-free products don’t burn tobacco. As a result, they produce significantly lower levels of these chemicals compared to cigarettes.

These products aren’t risk-free—and contain nicotine, which is addictive—but they do represent a much better alternative for those adults who would otherwise continue smoking cigarettes.

Below are some of the positive short-term effects of switching to our smoke-free products compared to continued smoking:

Reduced levels of carbon monoxide in the blood

Burning tobacco produces carbon monoxide. Over time, exposure to even low levels of this chemical can impact exercise capacity.

Our leading heated tobacco product produces on average 98 percent less carbon monoxide than a cigarette.¹ This results in carbon monoxide levels in the blood dropping dramatically within days of switching completely to our heated tobacco product.

In clinical studies, adult smokers who switched from cigarettes to our heated tobacco product experienced a significant drop in carbon monoxide levels in their blood after just 24 hours of switching—almost the same as the reduction observed in those who quit tobacco and nicotine consumption altogether.²

Improved cholesterol levels

Smoking cigarettes changes the way the body metabolizes cholesterol. This can cause an increase in “bad” cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein) and a decrease in “good” cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein)—which helps to remove bad cholesterol.

Smoking also weakens the lining of the blood vessels, making it easier for cholesterol to build up on the artery walls, which can cause them to narrow and harden, increasing the risk of strokes and heart attacks.

In a study by PMI and non-PMI scientists, legal-age smokers who switched from cigarettes to our heated tobacco product were found to have increased levels of good cholesterol after three months, and that increase doubled after six months.³

Reduced oxidative stress

Cigarette use exposes smokers to a high level of oxidants, causing what’s known as “oxidative stress” (an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants). This is linked to the development of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

A study of 984 adult smokers found those who moved to heated tobacco products showed lower levels of oxidative stress three to six months after switching from cigarettes.³

The same study also showed that those who had switched reported less coughing less months after completely switching.³

Improved lung function

Lung function naturally declines as people age, but smoking accelerates this process. The toxicants in smoke can cause lungs to become inflamed and reduce airflow into and out of the lungs.

A clinical study of 984 adult smokers found that participants’ lung function was significantly improved six months after switching to heated tobacco products, compared to those who continued to smoke.³

Reduced staining of teeth and better breath

Besides the reduced disease risk and the observed short-term positive health impacts of switching to smoke-free alternatives to cigarettes, there are other perceived benefits reported by adults who have switched completely.

A non-clinical study on human teeth and dental composites concluded that heated tobacco products caused fewer stains on teeth than cigarettes,⁴ while legal-aged smokers who have switched to our heated tobacco product reported that their breath smells better.⁵

Better alternatives to cigarettes, backed by science

Switching from cigarettes to a smoke-free product will never be better for your health than stopping the use of all tobacco and nicotine-containing products. But for those who don’t quit, the totality of evidence suggests that making the switch is a better choice than continuing to smoke cigarettes.

For more detailed information about these positive short-term effects, visit PMI Science.

¹ The difference between cigarette smoke and our heated tobacco aerosol (pmi.com)
² Reduction in exposure to selected harmful and potentially harmful constituents approaching those observed upon smoking abstinence in smokers switching to the menthol Tobacco Heating System 2.2 for three months (Part 1) (pmiscience.com)
³ Effects of switching to a heat-not-burn tobacco product on biologically-relevant biomarkers to assess a candidate Modified Risk Tobacco Product: A randomized trial (pmiscience.com)
⁴ Tobacco heating system stains teeth less than cigarette smoke (pmiscience.com)
⁵ Source: Market research conducted in several countries with Iegal-age nicotine users that either currently smoke or smoked in the past