iqos

IQOS is a heated tobacco product developed by Philip Morris International (PMI). Unlike traditional cigarettes that burn tobacco, IQOS heats tobacco at a lower temperature without combustion. Here are some key points about IQOS:

1. **Technology:** IQOS consists of a device that heats specially designed tobacco sticks (called HEETS or HeatSticks) rather than burning them. This process generates a nicotine-containing aerosol that users inhale.

2. **Design:** The IQOS device typically resembles a small electronic device with a holder where the tobacco stick is inserted. It is powered by a battery and heats the tobacco to temperatures below 350°C (662°F), which PMI claims reduces the formation of harmful chemicals compared to cigarette smoke.

3. **Usage:** Users insert a HEET into the IQOS holder, which is then heated for a duration of around 6 minutes or 14 puffs, whichever comes first. After use, the used HEET is removed from the holder.

4. **Regulation and Availability:** IQOS has been introduced in many countries around the world. Its availability and regulatory status vary depending on local tobacco control laws and regulations. Some countries classify it differently from traditional cigarettes due to its heating rather than burning mechanism.

5. **Marketing and Positioning:** PMI markets IQOS as a potentially reduced-risk product compared to smoking cigarettes, emphasizing its potential to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals associated with combustion. However, health authorities caution that the product is not risk-free and may still pose health risks.

6. **Research and Studies:** There is ongoing scientific debate and research regarding the health effects of IQOS use compared to smoking traditional cigarettes, as well as its potential impact on smoking cessation and initiation among different populations.

Overall, IQOS represents a novel approach to tobacco consumption, aiming to provide an alternative for adult smokers who may otherwise continue to smoke traditional cigarettes. Its adoption and regulatory status continue to evolve globally.