A study published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials reveals that herbal cigarettes, often promoted as safer alternatives to traditional tobacco, may actually be more harmful. Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar conducted a comprehensive analysis of emissions from popular herbal and tobacco cigarettes available in India. Their findings indicate that emissions from herbal cigarettes are comparable to or even exceed those from tobacco cigarettes, particularly in variants wrapped in tendu leaves, which are similar to those used in bidis. The study highlighted that herbal cigarettes have a significantly higher oxidative potential, which is associated with inflammation and cardiovascular issues. Notably, one herbal variant had an alarming lead concentration, contradicting its marketing as a natural product. The study emphasizes the urgent need for regulatory measures to address the health risks posed by herbal cigarettes, which currently fall outside the purview of existing tobacco regulations in India and other countries.