A recent research study conducted by experts at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade revealed that the majority of heated tobacco product users were previously smokers of traditional cigarettes before switching to newer products that heat tobacco instead of burning it.
The study emphasized that switching to heated tobacco products increases the chances of quitting smoking. Furthermore, there is no evidence to suggest that heated tobacco products serve as a gateway to starting smoking.
According to the study, conducted on 4,514 adults, teenagers are less likely to choose heated tobacco products if they start smoking during adolescence. Instead, they tend to prefer traditional cigarettes.
The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey provided the latest data, showing that 99.4% of heated tobacco product users either switched from smoking traditional cigarettes or are dual users. Only 0.6% are new smokers.
Since their introduction in 2017, heated tobacco products have significantly impacted the Korean tobacco market. Initially accounting for only 2.2% of total tobacco sales, they now capture 12% in the first half of 2021. This growth is fueled by a shift away from traditional cigarettes, as scientific studies suggest that the harmful effects of smoking primarily stem from cigarette smoke produced by combustion—something heated tobacco products avoid.
The study highlights the importance of understanding why smokers rapidly adopt heated tobacco products. Policymakers should consider these changes when developing tobacco regulatory laws, including taxation and market regulation.
The study included 2,356 non-smokers, 1,316 traditional cigarette smokers, and 842 heated tobacco product (HTP) users. It found that adult females, individuals with higher education, those with children, and office workers were more likely to switch from traditional smoking to heated tobacco products.
Interestingly, adult females between the ages of 20 and 39 were more likely to switch to heated tobacco products, regardless of their income levels. In contrast, males over the age of 40 were more likely to make the switch if they had higher incomes.
