Common Questions About Heated Tobacco

Published June 17, 2024

This article is only for legal age (18+) smokers or nicotine product users only.

If you’re an adult (18+) user looking to move away from smoking cigarettes to heated tobacco, you’ll likely have questions about these products.

Here, we’ll answer some of the most common questions adult users have about heated tobacco. From what heat-not-burn tobacco is to whether heated tobacco smells or not. Read on to find out more about how this smoke-free alternative works.

Unlike cigarettes, IQOS does not burn tobacco and therefore produces no smoke or ash. IQOS provides cigarette-like satisfaction* and is the #1 tobacco heating system.** Its Smartcore Induction Technology heats tobacco to deliver the taste of real tobacco.

*3 month clinical studies conducted in US and Japan with 160 adult smokers each under real conditions (ambulatory).
**PMI global estimate of total In-Market Sales of Heated Tobacco Units as of June 2023. (excluding Russia and Ukraine).

Learn more: IQOS heated tobacco

What is Combustible Tobacco?

Combustible tobacco is a term typically used for products that burn tobacco. Such products could include cigarettes, cigars and/or roll-your-own tobacco.

On the other hand, non-combustible tobacco products could include smoke-free options like vapes, nicotine pouches, snus, and heated tobacco devices.

Difference of Heating Tobacco vs Burning Tobacco?

Generally, many of a cigarette’s substances are produced during the burning process (commonly known as combustion). With the heated tobacco product IQOS, combustion does not occur.

There are several other benefits associated with switching to IQOS instead of continuing to smoke cigarettes. For example, unlike cigarettes, IQOS has no risk of burning others around you, pets, clothes, and furniture as there is no lit end.

Learn more: Vaping and Heated Tobacco Products’ Smell vs Cigarettes

Does IQOS Set Off Smoke Alarms?

Whether or not IQOS devices can set off a smoke alarm depends on the type of smoke detector. It’s important to know that there’s a difference between smoke and fire detectors. In a nutshell, smoke detectors work alongside fire alarms so that when a room fills up with smoke, it alerts the fire alarm.

If you have more questions on heated tobacco and IQOS, visit our FAQ page to learn more.

Smoke-free products are not risk-free and provide nicotine, which is addictive. The best decision any adult smoker can make is to quit tobacco and nicotine use altogether. Smoke-free products are not alternatives to quitting and are not designed as cessation aids.

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Important Information: This product is not risk free and provides nicotine, which is addictive. Only for use by adults who would otherwise continue to smoke or use other nicotine products.

IQOS are only for adult smokers who otherwise wish to continue to use tobacco or nicotine containing products.

This article is for general information and educational purposes. Some of the information in this article is based on external, third-party sources and we make no representations or warranties of any kind regarding the accuracy, validity or completeness of such information.