IQOS Myths vs Facts

As with all new technologies, heat-not-burn devices have unfortunately become the target of several myths, many of which harm smokers and their ability to easily access an alternative to traditional nicotine consumption. In this article, we’ll dispel some of the myths surrounding the technology and answer some frequently asked questions. Read on for some myth-busting about IQOS and heat-not-burn technology!

1. Is heat-not-burn technology different from cigarettes?

   While both products do use tobacco, heat-not-burn devices such as the IQOS do not combust the tobacco to extract the nicotine. Instead, these products heat the material to a specific temperature which converts the nicotine into an inhalable aerosol. This heating process provides a better alternative to smoking, though it should be noted these products are not risk-free and the best choice is to quit using tobacco products completely.

2. Are heat-not-burn devices the same as vaping?

   The simple answer is no. While there are some similarities between the two products, the core difference lies in the materials they heat. Vaping, or e-cigarettes, require specific liquids (known as e-liquids) which contain nicotine and flavouring. This liquid is then vaporized by the e-cigarettes to create an inhalable vapor. In contrast to this, heat-not-burn devices heat real tobacco within a specific temperature range. This specific heating ensures that nicotine is released from the tobacco, without causing combustion.

3. Do heat-not-burn products all contain nicotine?

   Because heat-not-burn products use actual tobacco, all of these products do contain nicotine which occurs naturally in the plant.

4. Are heat-not-burn products addicting?

   The use of these products does involve the inhalation of nicotine, meaning they are addictive and not entirely risk-free. That being said, heat-not-burn products do present an alternative to traditional smoking and can be used to quit smoking or reduce dependency on nicotine. While quitting can seem very difficult, it is possible and millions of people accomplish this feat every year.

5. How are heat-not-burn products different from smoking cigarettes?

   While both products utilize tobacco, heat-not-burn devices avoid combustion by using an electronic heat-control system to prevent burning. This results in the creation of an inhalable tobacco vapor, rather than smoke produced by burning.
   During combustion, a cigarette will burn tobacco above 600°C, flaring to over 800°C when a smoker takes a puff. This results in the creation of smoke, ash, tar, and high levels of harmful chemicals.
   By eliminating the combustion element, heat-not-burn devices are designed to reduce the levels of harmful chemicals inhaled by the user. This isn’t to say that heat-not-burn products are risk free, but they do reduce the amount of chemicals inhaled by the user.

6. Do heat-not-burn products produce smoke?

   While these devices appear to be emitting smoke, they are in fact producing an aerosol. There is no smoke because no tobacco has been burned, it has instead been heated to a specific temperature.

We hope this helped dispell some myths about IQOS and heat-not-burn devices. If you have any other questions please feel free to ask it in the comments!