A Device that Heats Tobacco, But Doesn’t Burn It
- IQOS is a scientifically substantiated alternative to smoking that heats tobacco instead of burning it
- It is not a vape or an e-cigarette but part of a new category of products called heated tobacco products (HTPs)
- There is no doubt that quitting cigarettes is the best option but most people don’t
- IQOS heats tobacco instead of burning it, resulting in 95% less harmful chemicals compared to cigarettes.
- There are 27 IQOS stores nationwide where those looking for a better alternative can learn more about smoke-free alternatives
- Cigarette sales can end in 10-15 years with smoke-free alternatives like IQOS, said PMI CEO in a recent statement.
IQOS is a new alternative to smoking that heats tobacco rather than burning it. It’s not a vape and not an e-cigarette, so what is IQOS?
IQOS is part of a new category of smoke-free products called heated tobacco products (HTPs) intended for adult smokers who would otherwise continue smoking. It heats specially designed tobacco sticks without burning them to release tobacco flavour with no fire, no ash, and no smoke.
Philip Morris International (PMI) has made it its mission to replace cigarettes with smoke-free products as soon and fast as possible. There is no doubt that quitting or never to start smoking is the best option but not all tobacco containing products are the same. PMI believes that new, potentially less harmful products are a better alternative for adult smokers. But a significant public health benefit can only be achieved when many people are aware of smoke-free products and switch to them.
“Through years of research and development, PMI have developed a new class of breakthrough products that do not rely on the principle of burning—and which we believe is a much better choice than smoking,” Says Zimbini Peffer, Head of Marketing and Digital at Philip Morris South Africa.
“In South Africa, the uptake has been significant with 59% of adult smokers who try IQOS, switching completely and leaving cigarettes behind. IQOS is part of PMI’s vision to achieve a smoke-free future with a product that offers a better choice than smoking cigarettes to the 11-million adult smokers in South Africa,” adds Peffer. “Over a decade of development and billions invested IQOS offers an alternative way to enjoy tobacco.”
Here’s what you need to know about the IQOS device:
How does IQOS work?
Heated tobacco, or “heat-not-burn” devices are a sophisticated piece of technology that contain specially designed and patented HeatControl™ Technology that monitors and controls the temperature of a ceramic heating blade inside the device.
IQOS utilizes real tobacco that is specially processed and formed into tobacco sticks branded HEETS. The tobacco stick is then inserted into the device that heats the tobacco to temperatures below 350 degrees C. As a result, the device releases the true tobacco flavour and a nicotine aerosol, containing no ash, no smoke and less smell. IQOS is not risk free. It contains nicotine, which is addictive.
A better alternative to cigarettes
While IQOS is not risk-free and nicotine is addictive, extensive research conducted by PMI has shown that IQOS generates on average 95% lower levels of a broad range of harmful chemicals (excluding nicotine) compared to the smoke of a reference cigarette. This does not necessarily equal a 95% reduction in risk.
For more information visit: www.iqos.com
