What Is Harm Reduction When It Comes to Heated Tobacco?

The significant harm that smoking cigarettes can cause is well-known, but did you know the biggest risks of tobacco/smoking come from when a cigarette is burnt? The reduction of risk that comes with IQOS when compared to cigarettes can be a huge factor in an adult smoker’s decision to switch. 

What Does Harm Reduction Mean? 

Simply put, harm reduction involves reducing damaging factors that may pose a risk. In relation to smoking, although it does not remove the risk of harm completely, switching to IQOS heated tobacco from cigarettes may reduce the risks of smoking. This is because there is no combustion. Did you know that switching completely to IQOS presents less risk to your health than continuing to smoke? After all, IQOS emits 95% less harmful chemicals compared to cigarettes*, and does not produce smoke. 

Important information: IQOS is not risk-free and provides nicotine, which is addictive. 

*«95% less» represents the average reductions in levels of a range of harmful chemicals (excluding nicotine) compared to the smoke of a reference cigarette. It does not necessarily equal a 95% reduction in risk. See Important Information on IQOS.com 

What Are the Health Risks of Cigarettes? 

It’s no secret that cigarettes are bad for your health. Toxics like carbon monoxide and tar from burning cigarettes can cause serious harm to your health. That’s why reducing the risk can be so important for adults who continue to smoke. By heating the tobacco and preventing it from burning, IQOS ILUMA delivers the taste of real tobacco.

Research* has shown that the satisfaction level of switching completely to IQOS ILUMA is comparable to that of those who continue to smoke cigarettes.

*Based on clinical studies, aerosol chemistry, and satisfaction statements from 600 adult consumers in Japan, 2022.

How Does Heated Tobacco Work? 

Cigarettes burn tobacco at 400ºC, rising to 800ºC in some cases. IQOS optimally heats tobacco up to 350ºC, avoiding combustion. This means no smoke is created. Instead, there is a tobacco vapor that contains on average 95% lower levels of harmful chemicals than cigarette smoke, presenting less risk to your health than continued smoking.*  

Important information: This does not necessarily mean a 95% reduction in risk. IQOS ILUMA is not harmless. The product contains nicotine, which is addictive.

*“95% less” is the average reduction in the levels of 9 harmful substances that the World Health Organization recommends reducing in cigarette smoke, not including nicotine. See the “Important Information” section on iqos.com/kg.

The latest IQOS device, the IQOS ILUMA, uses SMARTCORE INDUCTION TECHNOLOGY™, a new way to heat not burn tobacco. This product accompanies the latest heated tobacco sticks, TEREA. Both IQOS ILUMA and TEREA have been crafted with extensive research to give adult smokers an authentic tobacco experience. 

IQOS ILUMA™ is designed to be used only with TEREA™ sticks. Do not use IQOS ILUMA™ and TEREA™ sticks with previous IQOS™ generations, as this may cause damage to your device. Do not ingest or disassemble TEREA™ sticks. This product contains a sharp metal part which can cause serious injury if swallowed. Keep out of reach of children.  

Can Heated Tobacco Be Less Harmful Than Cigarettes? 

Many adult smokers believe that nicotine is the cause of harm in smoking. In fact, it is the burning of tobacco which creates significant risk as harmful chemicals are released in the smoke. By removing combustion (or burning) and heating the tobacco instead, IQOS emits 95% less harmful chemicals compared to cigarettes.* 

Important information: This does not necessarily mean a 95% reduction in risk. IQOS ILUMA is not harmless.

*Cigarette smoke contains a large number of harmful substances that are released when a cigarette burns. "95% less" is an average reduction in the level of 9 harmful substances that the World Health Organization recommends reducing in cigarette smoke, not including nicotine. See the "Important Information" section on iqos.com/kg.

At IQOS, we’re committed to providing a smoke-free future, with less harmful options for adult smokers who would otherwise continue to smoke or use nicotine products. However, the best recommendation for your health is to stop nicotine consumption entirely. 

Examples of Harm Reduction Effects When Using IQOS Heated Tobacco Products 

- IQOS does not produce tar because it heats tobacco instead of burning it. It generates an aerosol residue that is fundamentally different from tar and consists of significantly lower levels of harmful chemicals.* IQOS emits on average 95% lower levels of harmful chemicals compared to cigarettes.* 

Important information: the absence of tar does not mean that IQOS ILUMA is harmless. IQOS ILUMA contains nicotine, which is addictive.

*Reduction of 9 harmful substances that the World Health Organization recommends to reduce in cigarette smoke, not including nicotine. See the "Important information" section on iqos.com/kg.

- IQOS produces no ash 

- IQOS doesn’t burn tobacco, producing on average 98% less carbon monoxide (CO) and significantly lower levels of other harmful chemicals compared to cigarettes.** 

Important information: This does not mean a 98% reduction in risk, and carbon monoxide is just one of many harmful substances in cigarette smoke. IQOS ILUMA is not harmless. It contains nicotine, which is addictive. 

**Source: We measured levels of 9 harmful substances that the World Health Organization recommends reducing in cigarette smoke, not including nicotine. They are reduced by an average of 95% compared to cigarette smoke. See the "Important Information" section on iqos.com/kg.

In terms of a public offer.