Object:

To explore knowledge gaps and possible future research line on Heat-not-burn tobacco products (HBT) from the published scientific literature and internet sources available to the population.

Methods:

Mixed methods qualitative/quantitative study under typology of literature reviews by Grant & Booth and Pinto, and mapping review study design by Cooper. Database search and check-in of titles/abstracts in 4 languages from 2016-12-01 to 2017-12-31. Texts saved in MHT and PDF formats, located in Dropbox and managed with Endnote X8. Category definitions grouped in 4 dimensions. Information analyzed with Microsoft® Excel 2016 and Epi-INFO® 7.2.2

Results:

46 webpages and 63 papers located, 99% in English; 2 manuscripts had withdrawal notes. In D1 (summary): product advertisement vs toxicological or evaluative aspects of the HBT. 48 papers (76,2%) in digital or printed (2017); by country, USA: webpages 23 (50%), 20 papers (32%); Switzertland: 22 papers (35%), 3 webpages (7%). D2 (commercial): financing by Phillip Morris International (PMI, 22, 33%) or universities with own or government funds (19, 30%); on webpages PMI (60%), British American Tobacco and Japan Tobacco International (40%); relation with PMI absent in 41 papers (65%) and 36 webpages (80%). D3 (methodological): evidence level “experimental”, laboratory (26; 41,2%) or humans (4, 6,3%); independent research in 36 (57%). D4 (interpretative): main question on webpages was whether HBT products were harmful or not; on papers, the effects of HBT micro/nanoparticles at medium/long term.

Conclusion:

It is required from scientific community to finish their respective toxicity and harm reduction studies on HBT and to guide and solve questions related to HBT safety in medium/long term alongside population and authorities.

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