Six Key Differences Between Burning Tobacco and Heating Tobacco
By Gavin Balson
IQOS heats tobacco just enough to release a flavourful nicotine-containing tobacco vapour but without burning the tobacco. But that’s not the only difference between heating tobacco and burning tobacco.
As Marc Firestone, PMI's President of External Affairs and General Counsel, advocates "People who say that ‘tobacco is tobacco’ are missing the point completely. It is a simple fact of life that not all tobacco products are the same."
To date, 10.4 million smokers have already switched to IQOS as an alternative to smoking – could these six differences be why they’ve stopped smoking?
There’s no smoke without fire.
Difference 1: And there’s certainly no fire with IQOS
Apart from a bonfire on Guy Fawkes Night, can you really think of anything positive to associate with burning?
A cigarette burns tobacco at incredibly high temperatures of up to 900°C. This generates smoke containing high levels of harmful chemicals. IQOS, on the other hand, uses technology to carefully heat the tobacco to a much lower temperature. This not only releases the true taste of heated tobacco, but also means there’s no combustion. Or fire, or ash, or smoke...
HEETS create vapour instead. Home sweet home.
Difference 2: Indoor air quality
The quality of our air indoors is important. This is one of the main differences between burning tobacco and heating tobacco.
IQOS has no negative impact on indoor air quality. This is proven by air quality tests conducted in accordance with international standards.*
Excuse me, have you got a light?
Difference 3: No need for matches with IQOS
No more hunting around in your bag or jeans for a lighter or having to stop a stranger in their tracks.
With IQOS, you simply insert the tobacco stick into the IQOS holder (it contains an electronically controlled heater). Turn on the heater, then draw on the IQOS HEET stick to experience the real taste of heated tobacco. When the tobacco stick is finished, simply remove it and chuck it in the bin.
Keep your IQOS holder recharged in the pocket charger. When home, charge the unit up at night for on-the-go power the next day - just like you do with your mobile.
For more information on charging your device, take a look at our helpful charging guide.
Thank goodness for clever boffins.
Difference 4: IQOS uses advanced heating technology
The best ideas can often be those that take a great deal of time and effort. Our scientists and experts have spent over ten years in researching and developing heat not burn IQOS. We use sophisticated electronics to heat specially designed tobacco units to release flavours and nicotine without burning.
Thanks to our patented heating technology - IQOS HeatControl™ Technology - the tobacco heats to the ideal temperature for up to 14 puffs.
Ever tried to remove a cigarette burn mark?
Difference 5: No lit end with IQOS
Imagine the nightmare of a lit cigarette accidently burning a mark on a recently purchased dining table or a cinder falling onto a favourite jumper and leaving an unsightly hole!
Unlike cigarettes, IQOS doesn’t have a lit end and therefore there’s no risk of burning clothes or furniture.
Is your washing machine forever on?
Difference 6: IQOS leaves less of a lingering smell
IQOS doesn’t generate cigarette smoke smell (the IQOS smell is quite different) and the tobacco vapour disappears more quickly than cigarette smoke.
So, IQOS not only leaves less smell on clothes and fabrics but is also less likely to bother others around you - such as when you’re out with friends who’d rather avoid second-hand smoke and being passive smokers. In fact, smokers who’ve switched to IQOS feel more comfortable getting close to people than they did after smoking a cigarette.**
IQOS is our most advanced smoke-free product.
Making a difference towards a smoke-free future.
The World Health Organisation says that over a billion people will smoke in 2025, despite campaigns to quit. There’s no substitute for quitting but … it’s still possible to make a big impact on public health by offering these smokers a better and satisfying alternative to smoking, such as IQOS.
If you have any questions about our products or services make sure to visit our FAQs page, or reach out to us on 0800 432 0000.
*Important information: IQOS is not risk-free
**Source: online survey conducted by third party research agencies in 2016 and 2017 among 3,157 users in Japan, Switzerland, Italy, Romania and Spain.
