Myths about smoke-free alternatives increase as these products hit the market, and adult smokers, who would otherwise continue to smoke, now have more options to make a better choice. Sometimes these myths about vaping are dictated by ignorance. Others, however, from misinformation. In this article, we will try to debunk the most common ones and offer you answers to the most frequently asked questions about smoke-free alternatives.
What are smoke-free alternatives?
Smoke-free alternatives are a set of products aimed at adults who would otherwise continue to smoke or use nicotine-containing products. As the name suggests, smoke-free alternatives do not emit smoke because, unlike traditional cigarettes, they do not burn tobacco.
What is heated tobacco?
First things first. When a cigarette is burnt, the temperature of the end of it, reaches to an incredibly high temperature. During the cigarette combustion the cigarette smoke and ash are generated.
The cigarette smoke is a complex mixture of over 6,000 chemicals: some of these are toxic or potentially harmful, and about 100 are associated with smoking-related diseases.
Heated tobacco products, one of the most recent innovations among smoke-free alternatives, heat and don’t burn the tobacco, to lower temperatures, prevent it from burning. Because no combustion takes place, they allow you to enjoy the true taste of tobacco without producing cigarette smoke or ash.
What are vaping and e-cigarettes?
Electronic cigarettes or vaping devices are a smoke-free alternative that is very popular among adult smokers. These portable, battery-powered devices come in a variety of formats and can be customized at will. Some e-cigarettes are disposable, while others can be reused.
So how do they work? They heat and transform into steam e-cigarette liquids, which contain flavors and nicotine. The e-cigarette liquid is heated to a specific temperature, it is then evaporated emitting an aerosol that is inhaled by the adult user.
Let's debunk 6 myths about smoke-free alternatives
Now that you have a clearer view of the smoke-free alternatives available on the market at the moment, let's see some of the most frequently asked questions about these products.
Are smoke-free alternatives a safer alternative than smoking?
No, none of the nicotine containing products is safe, not even smoke-free alternatives.
It would be best to quit smoking and the use of nicotine products altogether. However, smoke-free alternatives are a better choice than cigarettes, for the adults who would otherwise continue to smoke.
In the end, both vapes and heated tobacco products, contain nicotine which is addictive.
Do smoke-free alternatives resemble cigarettes?
Smoke-free alternatives and traditional cigarettes are quite different. Cigarettes burn tobacco and emit smoke. The main difference of smoke-free alternatives is that they do not involve the tobacco combustion, so they do not produce smoke.
For example, during vaping, an e-cigarette liquid is heated, while in the case of heated tobacco, a device is used that heats real tobacco without burning it.
Is vaping safe without nicotine, i.e. is it safe to use vaping products that do not contain nicotine?
No, vaping is not less toxic without the nicotine in the e-liquid.
In addition to that, the presence of nicotine in smoke free products makes it easier for the adult smokers to switch to them. That said, nicotine is addictive and involves risks, regardless of the way it’s consumed (traditional cigarettes or smoke-free alternatives).
Are all smoke-free alternatives the same?
No, smoke-free alternatives are not all the same. There are several smoke-free alternatives, so adult smokers who don’t quit smoking have a plethora of choices.
E-cigarettes are a solution for those who prefer to customize at will and choose from multiple flavors. Heated tobacco, on the other hand, is more suitable for those who want an experience similar to smoking.
Are smoke-free alternatives such as vaping addictive?
Yes, because they contain nicotine, which is addictive.
Smoke-free products are intended for adults who would otherwise continue to smoke or use other nicotine products, so they are not intended as an aid to quitting smoking.
Should I stop smoking and switch to a smoke-free alternative?
In general, to reduce the health risks related to smoking and nicotine , it would be better to stop smoking altogether and use nicotine products. That said, smoke-free alternatives are a better choice than traditional cigarettes for adults who would otherwise continue to smoke.
Where do I buy heated tobacco?
Do you want to quit smoking and are looking for a smoke-free alternative? IQOS is heated tobacco product chosen by 14 million adult smokers worldwide. IQOS is available online and in stores. Find the closest IQOS store to you here.
IQOS is a heated tobacco device that heats from the inside the HEETS tobacco sticks. Enjoy real tobacco without tar*, smoke or ash.
*Tar is the residue from smoke after a cigarette is burned. IQOS does not produce tar because it heats tobacco instead of burning it.
WARNING: The absence of tar, doesn’t mean IQOS is risk-free. It provides nicotine which is addictive.
Where do I buy e-cigarettes?
Since there are several options, it can be difficult for an adult smoker to navigate through the various types of vaping. It is always better to start from a well-known branded product that is based on scientific evidence for its making. This way, you will have the certainty of buying a quality product and receiving the assistance you will need.
The IQOS VEEV vape, which was recently released, is an advanced vaping choice for adult smokers who vape. It is based on the MESH™ heating technology and it’s easy to use. IQOS VEEV doesn’t need refilling and doesn’t make a mess. You can change to any VEEV pods flavor you want, wherever you are, quickly and easily.