Nov 16, 2023
Tobacco Vapor vs Tobacco Smoke: Differences
The world of tobacco has experienced a revolution in recent decades with the introduction of alternatives to traditional cigarettes. Among these alternatives is IQOS, a tobacco heating device that generates tobacco vapor instead of tobacco smoke. But what exactly is tobacco vapor? How is it generated? How does it differ from traditional tobacco smoke? We'll explain it below.
What is tobacco vapor and how is it generated?
Tobacco vapor is generated when tobacco is heated instead of burned, which marks a crucial difference from traditional cigarettes.
Instead of igniting a flame that consumes the tobacco and exceeds temperatures of 600º, devices like IQOS ILUMA have a tobacco heating system that is used with specially designed tobacco units. The heating reaches a temperature necessary for the tobacco to release a vapor containing nicotine without reaching the point of combustion.
These controlled temperatures ensure that no combustion occurs, preventing the generation of ashes, tobacco smoke, and the smell of tobacco smoke.
What are the differences between tobacco vapor and traditional tobacco smoke?
The most obvious difference between tobacco vapor and traditional tobacco smoke lies in the absence of combustion, which is one of the key characteristics and advantages of IQOS devices.
The smoke emitted by traditional cigarettes is composed of more than 6,000 chemical substances, including some harmful ones like tar and carbon monoxide.
However, the absence of combustion that characterizes IQOS devices results in tobacco vapor, which, on average, emits 95% fewer levels of harmful chemical substances than cigarettes*.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This does not imply a 95% risk reduction. IQOS is not risk-free, and its use releases nicotine, which is addictive.
*Average reductions in levels of a range of harmful substances (excluding nicotine) compared to the smoke of a reference cigarette.
Based on scientific studies conducted with manufacturer-designed tobacco heating units for IQOS.
*Average reductions in levels of a range of harmful substances (excluding nicotine) compared to the smoke of a reference cigarette.
Based on scientific studies conducted with manufacturer-designed tobacco heating units for IQOS.
Other advantages of IQOS
In addition to the substantial differences between tobacco vapor and traditional tobacco smoke, IQOS ILUMA offers some additional advantages for adult smokers looking for alternatives to traditional tobacco:
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Less odor: IQOS ILUMA devices produce less odor than cigarettes, making it less likely to disturb those around you. Using IQOS, your breath, clothing, and your surroundings won't have that characteristic tobacco smell.
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No ashes: In addition to the absence of smoke, IQOS ILUMA does not produce ashes.
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No tar: IQOS ILUMA does not produce tar, because it heats tobacco instead of burning it. It generates an aerosol residue that is fundamentally different from cigarette tar, and contains significantly lower levels of harmful chemicals.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: The absence of tar does not mean that IQOS ILUMA is risk-free. Nicotine, which is addictive, is inhaled with its use.
*Average reductions in the levels of a number of harmful chemicals (excluding nicotine) compared to cigarette smoke.
*Average reductions in the levels of a number of harmful chemicals (excluding nicotine) compared to cigarette smoke.
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No carbon monoxide: Another advantage of not burning tobacco is that IQOS ILUMA, on average, produces 98% less carbon monoxide (CO) and significantly lower levels of other harmful chemicals compared to cigarettes*.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This does not imply a 98% risk reduction. IQOS ILUMA is not risk-free, and its use involves inhaling nicotine, which is addictive.
*Source: We measured the levels of certain harmful chemicals, prioritized for reporting by recognized public health organizations, and these are reduced by an average of 95% compared to cigarette smoke (excluding nicotine).
Based on scientific studies conducted with manufacturer-designed tobacco heating units for IQOS ILUMA.
*Source: We measured the levels of certain harmful chemicals, prioritized for reporting by recognized public health organizations, and these are reduced by an average of 95% compared to cigarette smoke (excluding nicotine).
Based on scientific studies conducted with manufacturer-designed tobacco heating units for IQOS ILUMA.
The tobacco vapor generated by IQOS ILUMA devices represents a significant development in the search for alternatives to traditional tobacco, in addition to other advantages of heating tobacco instead of burning it, isuch as the reduction of harmful chemicals and the absence of ashes, odor, and tobacco smoke. While the best option for an adult smoker is to completely quit the habit, IQOS ILUMA is a better alternative than cigarettes.