What is the IQOS heated tobacco device and what is the difference compared to cigarettes?

IQOS tobacco heating device is a better alternative than cigarettes for all adult smokers who would otherwise continue to smoke. IQOS does not burn tobacco, only heats it. Therefore, produces no smoke, ash and most importantly no tar*. It only releases vapor, so called aerosol, which delivers the true taste of tobacco and contains 95% less harmful chemicals compared to cigarettes**. By heating tobacco instead of burning, IQOS produces on average 98 % less carbon monoxide compared to cigarettes***. 

The public often mistakenly believes that the main cause of diseases from smoking is nicotine. It is addictive, but according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), nicotine is not classified as carcinogenic and therefore not the cause of smoking-related diseases. Illnesses from smoking are caused by chemicals in the smoke produced when tobacco is burned in a classic cigarette. However, nicotine is not risk-free. It is an addictive substance. Pregnant and breast-feeding women, minors and people with cardiovascular disease should avoid all sources of nicotine.

Switching completely to IQOS presents less risk to your health than continuing to smoke****. 

You can find more information on The Benefits of Smoke Free Tobacco with IQOS web site.

IQOS is not risk free. It contains nicotine, which is addictive. It is intended exclusively for adults who would continue to smoke or use other nicotine products.

* IMPORTANT INFORMATION: The absence of tar does not mean that IQOS is risk-free.

** IMPORTANT INFORMATION: It does not necessarily equal a 95% reduction in risk. IQOS is not risk-free.

Source: “95% less” represents the average reductions in levels of a range of harmful chemicals (excluding nicotine) compared to the smoke of a reference cigarette (3R4F). See Important Information on IQOS.com.

*** IMPORTANT INFORMATION: It does not necessarily equal a 98% reduction in risk, moreover, carbon monoxide is one of many harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke.
Source: We measured the levels of certain harmful chemicals prioritized for reporting by renowned public health organizations, and these are reduced on average by 95% compared to the smoke of a cigarette (nicotine excluded).

**** Source: Based on the totality of evidence available for IQOS in comparison with continuing to smoke.