Philip Morris International Responds To German Survey: Teenagers Have No Interest in Heated Tobacco, Products Are Mainly Targeted At Adult Consumers

Philip Morris International responds to German survey: teenagers have no interest in heated tobacco, products are mainly targeted at adult consumers

PMI cited a German data survey emphasizing that teenagers have extremely low interest in heated tobacco products (HTP), which do not cultivate a new generation of smokers. PMI points out that the 30 day usage rate of refillable e-cigarettes is 3.9%, while disposable e-cigarettes are 6.7%, which is 10 to 20 times higher than HTP products (0.3%).

According to Lebensmittel Praxis on November 5th, PMI stated that a survey conducted by the German Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA) on adolescent tobacco consumption showed that heated tobacco products (HTP) are not attractive to minors, and contrary to public warnings, the product will not create a new generation of smokers.

BZgA regularly checks the use of tobacco and nicotine products among minors aged 12 to 17 and young people aged 18 to 25, with a total of 7001 respondents. This data is considered one of the most credible among the relevant age groups in Germany, and its 2023 survey results will be released at the end of May 2024. The latest survey results show that minors have no interest in HTP products, which goes against previous public warnings. The use of traditional combustible tobacco products, such as cigarettes and hookah, continues to decrease among adolescents. At present, the usage rate of traditional cigarettes is 7.4%, while that of hookah is 3.9%.

BZgA pointed out that the overall level of minors using electronic cigarettes and HTP products is relatively low. PMI points out that the 30 day usage rate of refillable e-cigarettes is 3.9%, while disposable e-cigarettes are 6.7%, which is 10 to 20 times higher than HTP products (0.3%).

Dr. Alexander Nussbaum, the head of scientific and medical affairs at PMI, commented that,

The continued low usage rate of HTP products among teenagers refutes speculation that these products are deliberately targeting the new generation of smokers. Data shows that HTP products are almost entirely used by adults, effectively achieving the goal of protecting teenagers, and market participants have also shown a sense of responsibility

The person in charge believes that the possible reasons why teenagers are less interested in HTP products are their limited taste choices, responsible product display methods, and effective age restrictions.

Not only do regulations take effect, but PMI's self selected marketing methods also play an important role. This indicates that science based regulations and responsible manufacturer marketing methods are taking effect. Preventive research requires careful observation of which preventive measures have not been effective, as well as attention to which measures have already been effective

Non combustible nicotine products still pose avoidable health risks. Although the law prohibits their use by people under the age of 18, their use by minors should be a priority for prevention. However, this should not ignore the needs of approximately 20 million adult smokers, some of whom have been smoking for decades and face higher risks of subsequent diseases