Russia: No Plans for IQOS Ban, Less Harmful Than Cigarettes
A leading member of the Russian State Duma’s Health Protection Committee has stated there are currently no plans to ban heated tobacco products (HTPs) like IQOS, describing them as a less harmful alternative to traditional smoking. Deputy Chairman Alexey Kurinny told NSN that while he supports a ban on vapes (e-cigarettes), HTPs should not be equated with more serious health risks.
“IQOS is an improved version of classic tobacco smoking. It is less harmful based on general characteristics,” Kurinny said. “There is a scientific evidence base according to which IQOS has fewer harmful substances than classic cigarettes, cigars, or cigarillos.” His comments came in response to a proposal in the Nizhny Novgorod region to ban vapes, smoking devices, and IQOS.
Kurinny confirmed that a ban on heated tobacco systems has not been discussed in the State Duma. This contrasts with the strong parliamentary support for a complete ban on vapes. However, some experts, like psychiatrist Alexander Kovtun, have previously warned that HTPs and vapes may not allow users to properly dose nicotine, potentially leading to higher consumption of harmful substances than from a pack of cigarettes.
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