Comparative study of the design and chemical composition of heated tobacco products

Department of Tobacco, Sugar, Vegetable and Essential Oils, University of Food Technologies, Plovdiv, Bulgaria

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

Heated tobacco products (HTPs) are marketed as alternatives to conventional cigarettes and as products with potentially reduced harm. Despite the growing consumption of HTPs worldwide, their chemical composition and physical properties remain insufficiently explored. This study aims to examine the design and the physical and chemical characteristics of HTPs sold on the Bulgarian market. The physical dimensions and weight of the sticks and their structural components were determined, as well as the main chemical indicators of the incorporated tobacco material and the aerosol produced, respectively - ash, total reducing sugars, nicotine, cellulose; total and dry particulate matter, etc. The results indicate high cellulose levels in the tobacco material (13.10–18.39%) and relatively higher total particulate matter (26.63–39.86 mg/stick) compared to conventional cigarettes. The obtained results expand the knowledge about the structure and composition of HTPs and contribute to a deeper understanding of their physical and chemical characteristics.