In recent years, the tobacco industry has seen a significant shift towards alternative products that are perceived to be less harmful than traditional cigarettes. One such product is IQOS, a heated tobacco device, and HEETS, the specially designed tobacco sticks used with it. In this article, we will explore what IQOS and HEETS are, how they work, and the potential benefits and risks associated with their use.
What is IQOS?
IQOS (pronounced eye-kos) is an electronic device designed by Philip Morris International (PMI) to heat tobacco without burning it. The device is shaped like a pen, and it works by heating a specially designed tobacco stick called a HEET to produce a nicotine-containing aerosol that is then inhaled. Unlike traditional cigarettes, which burn tobacco to create smoke, IQOS heats tobacco to release a tobacco-flavored vapor.
How does IQOS work?
The IQOS device consists of three main components: the holder, the charger, and the HEETS. The holder contains a heating blade that heats the tobacco in the HEETS to a temperature of around 350°C, which is high enough to release the nicotine and flavor, but not high enough to cause combustion. The charger is used to recharge the holder between uses.
What are HEETS?
HEETS are specially designed tobacco sticks that are used with the IQOS device. They are made from a blend of high-quality tobacco and are available in a variety of flavors, including menthol, tobacco, and fruit. HEETS are shorter than traditional cigarettes and have a unique filter system that is designed to trap harmful chemicals and prevent them from entering the aerosol.
Benefits of using IQOS and HEETS
- One of the main benefits of using IQOS and HEETS is that they are perceived to be less harmful than traditional cigarettes. This is because IQOS heats tobacco rather than burning it, which means that it produces fewer harmful chemicals than traditional cigarettes. According to PMI, IQOS produces on average 95% less harmful chemicals compared to cigarettes.
- Another potential benefit of using IQOS and HEETS is that they produce less odor than traditional cigarettes. This means that they may be more socially acceptable in places where smoking is prohibited, such as restaurants and bars.
Conclusion
In conclusion, IQOS and HEETS tobacco are a relatively new product in the tobacco industry that are perceived to be less harmful than traditional cigarettes. While they do have potential benefits, such as producing fewer harmful chemicals and less odor, there are still risks associated with their use, including addiction and the potential to act as a gateway to smoking. It is important to weigh these risks against the potential benefits before deciding whether to use IQOS and HEETS or not.