A new study from IIT Gandhinagar (IITGN) has raised major health concerns by revealing higher toxic emissions from herbal cigarettes, often marketed as “natural” and “safer” alternatives, than conventional tobacco products. Published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials, the study challenges the common perception that herbal smoking is less harmful, showing that these products can generate comparable or even higher levels of harmful emissions.

What the IITGN Study Found

Researchers compared emissions from two leading Indian tobacco brands and four popular herbal cigarette variants containing ingredients like basil, clove, cinnamon, mint, green tea, water lily, and chamomile.

The study found that herbal cigarettes emitted around 20% higher concentrations of ultra-fine particles (below 500 nanometres) compared to tobacco cigarettes. These particles are extremely small and can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream.

Medical experts associate such fine particle exposure with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, respiratory disorders, and long-term inflammatory damage.

Key Findings in Numbers

Why Herbal Cigarettes May Be More Harmful

One of the most concerning findings is the higher oxidative potential (OP) in herbal cigarette smoke. Oxidative potential refers to the ability of smoke particles to generate reactive oxygen species, which can damage cells and tissues.

• Increased inflammation risk: Higher oxidative stress in lung tissue
• Cardiovascular strain: Greater likelihood of long-term heart damage
• Deep lung penetration: Ultra-fine particles reach the bloodstream quickly

Researchers also found that herbal cigarettes wrapped in tendu (ebony) leaf, similar to bidi wrappers, showed the highest toxicity among all tested samples.

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Environmental Harms of Herbal Cigarettes

Beyond human health risks, the study also highlights environmental concerns linked to herbal cigarette emissions.

Even though they are marketed as “natural,” herbal cigarettes contribute significantly to air pollution due to incomplete combustion of plant-based materials.

• Increased particulate pollution: Fine particles contribute to poor urban air quality
• Biomass smoke emissions: Burning herbs still releases toxic compounds similar to wood or crop burning
• Indoor air contamination: Confined smoking spaces experience higher pollutant buildup
• Waste impact: Wrappers like tendu leaves add to non-biodegradable smoking waste streams

Researchers warn that labeling these products as “natural” may mislead consumers into underestimating both their health and environmental impact.

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Expert Warning on “Safer Smoke” Myth

“Our findings challenge the widely held belief that tobacco-free means risk-free,” said Prof. Sameer Patel from IITGN.

He noted that herbal cigarettes showed comparable or even higher toxicity levels than tobacco cigarettes across multiple metrics, including particle emissions and oxidative stress potential.

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Regulatory Gaps and Public Health Concerns

Despite growing popularity, herbal cigarettes often fall outside strict tobacco regulations in many countries.

• COTPA 2003 applies mainly to tobacco products
• Herbal products often avoid health warnings and restrictions
• Lack of regulation creates a major consumer safety gap

Experts caution that this regulatory loophole may encourage misleading marketing claims around “safe” smoking alternatives.

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Final Takeaway

The IITGN study makes one thing clear: higher toxic emissions from herbal cigarettes, and they are not a safe alternative to tobacco. In fact, they may expose users to higher toxic emissions from herbal cigarettes, along with significant environmental pollution risks.

As awareness grows, the research highlights the urgent need for stronger regulation and public education to ensure consumers understand the real health and environmental impacts of all smoking products, herbal or otherwise.

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