Heated tobacco (IQOS): what is it? Is it good for your health?

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The arrival of heated tobacco in France

Faced with the constant rise in the price of traditional cigarette packs and the growth of electronic cigarettes, consumers wishing to fight their tobacco dependency and reduce or stop their consumption are increasingly turning to these alternative solutions. Displeased with the way events were unfolding, the American tobacco giants deemed it appropriate to retaliate by offering consumers new devices — with the sole purpose of generating ever greater profits and recapturing some market share. This is how, since 2017, Philip Morris launched its own "alternative" in France: a heated tobacco solution called IQOS. This product, which appears on the surface to be an electronic cigarette, does not have quite the same purpose.

How does the IQOS work?

The IQOS works in principle on the same basis as an electronic cigarette. Indeed, this device comes in the form of a compact stylus, which fits easily in the hand and is rather well-designed aesthetically — it must be said. Equipped with a rechargeable battery and coil system, the IQOS is designed to ensure good battery life for its users (approximately 10 consecutive uses without recharging). Some models even come with a charging and protective case that ideally protects the stylus against shocks and external stress while charging it at the same time. A light signal allows you to check your battery level at a glance.

The IQOS works using miniature tobacco refills that you need to insert into the device. Indeed, you need to purchase small tobacco sticks called HEETS. For reference, a pack of 20 units costs €7. Once the tobacco cartridge is inserted into the IQOS, simply press the ignition button, which will then trigger the heating of the tobacco and allow the user to take a puff. Thanks to IQOS HeatControl technology, the device is capable of heating tobacco to a maximum temperature of 350°C, compared to 800°C for a traditional cigarette. There is therefore no combustion, no ash, and no odor when you use the IQOS.

The differences between the IQOS and the electronic cigarette

Although the IQOS shares many common characteristics with the vaporizer, Philip Morris's solution differs on quite a few other points. Indeed, in an electronic cigarette, the coil heats up and causes the vaporization of the e-liquid, which then turns into vapor. In contrast, the IQOS produces no smoke whatsoever. Furthermore, as mentioned in the previous point, it does not use e-liquid, but actual real tobacco.

Can we still talk about vaping in this case? No, because Philip Morris's device is in reality every bit a cigarette. Indeed, former smokers who have chosen vaping as a substitute solution can freely decide to use an e-liquid that contains nicotine or not, and gradually reduce the dose as their dependency diminishes. On the other hand, the IQOS does indeed deliver nicotine-laden cigarette smoke to its users, thus making any desire to cut down more difficult.

Despite the apparent resemblance of Philip Morris's solution to the e-cigarettes available on the vaping market, it is not difficult to understand that these two are diametrically opposed in their purpose. While the e-cigarette presents itself as a genuine palliative solution and constitutes a potential way out for smokers who have tried everything to quit (nicotine patches, hypnosis, treatments, etc.), heated tobacco seems, on the contrary, to be a gateway back in. Philip Morris's IQOS is also a finished consumer product. As such, it cannot be disassembled and you cannot modify its internal configuration, unlike certain electronic cigarettes found in rebuildable form. However, Philip Morris offers a range of accessories to personalize the appearance of your IQOS.

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The dangers of heated tobacco

Presented as a healthier solution compared to the traditional cigarette and an alternative for smoking without risk, the numerous studies conducted on heated tobacco since its commercialization tend to prove otherwise. Indeed, tobacco giant Philip Morris announced from the outset that its heated tobacco system was the result of 10 years of research and experimentation and that its use would, according to its own claims, be 90% less harmful than burning a traditional cigarette.

However, although one might be tempted at first glance to believe in the credibility of the claims made by the world's leading tobacco company, this information should be taken with a grain of salt. Indeed, a few years ago, Light cigarettes arrived on the market. Even back then, these cigarettes were supposed to present fewer health risks — an argument that was quickly disproved. 

According to independent studies conducted on heated tobacco and more specifically on the IQOS, the manufacturer's estimates are said to be far from reality. Indeed, in order to heat the tobacco, the device performs a pyrolysis process that is responsible for the production of carbon monoxide, tar, as well as multiple other harmful substances found in traditional cigarettes. Thus, although no official study has yet tended to prove otherwise, it is advisable to adopt a cautious and preventive stance in the face of the potential health risks that heated tobacco may present.

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