Smoke-free products are one of the alternatives for cigarette smokers who would otherwise continue smoking. Some examples of smoke-free alternatives include Heated tobacco products (HTPs) and e-cigarettes (vapes).
While these products are becoming popular among Malaysian smokers, many still believe they’re no different from regular cigarettes. This article highlights some of the latest facts about smoke-free alternatives. Keep on reading to find out more!
1. Smoke-free alternatives heat tobacco
Although nicotine is not risk–free and is addictive, it is not the primary cause of smoking-related diseases like lung cancer and stroke. In fact, these diseases are caused by the harmful emissions from cigarettes when tobacco is burnt at around 900℃.
Smoke–free alternatives, on the other hand, heat tobacco at up to 350°C. This temperature is inadequate for tobacco combustion, which brings us to the next point.
2. Tobacco heating devices do not produce any smoke smell
The burning of tobacco in cigarettes produces smoke and ash that contain over 7,000 harmful chemicals like tar, carbon monoxide, carcinogen, and so on. These chemicals are found to cause smoking-related diseases.
On the contrary, tobacco heating in smoke-free products produces aerosol, which consists of water, glycerin, and nicotine. These emissions contain significantly lower levels of harmful chemicals as compared to the smoke from cigarettes.
Smoke–free alternatives also do not produce any smoke smell or ash, which makes for a more hygienic experience for the user and those around them.
3. Passive smoking can be reduced
While smoking cigarettes endangers the health of smokers, secondhand smokers are also exposed to similar risks after inhaling harmful emissions like smoke and ash.
Since tobacco heating devices emit aerosol which does not adversely degrade indoor air quality, passive smoking can be avoided. Besides, users of smoke-free alternatives need not worry about the smoke smell that bothers others or the ash that gets all over their belongings.
4. Smoke-free products help achieve THR
Tobacco harm reduction (THR) is a public health strategy established to lower the health risks of tobacco products on individuals and wider society. It is suggested that smoke-free products play an important role in achieving THR.
This is because they produce less harmful emissions and passive smoking as compared to cigarettes. Therefore, by switching to tobacco heating devices, cigarette smokers expose themselves and bystanders to fewer harmful chemicals.
5. Tobacco heating devices are not risk-free
While smoke-free alternatives can help achieve THR, these products still contain nicotine and are not completely risk-free. However, they eliminate the tobacco-burning process, which is the main cause of smoking-related diseases.
Therefore, cigarette smokers who are looking for less harmful alternatives can opt for tobacco heating devices like IQOS. Doing so not only reduces the risks of tobacco products on smokers but also prevents secondhand smoking that endangers bystanders.
On the whole, we hope that the scientifically-supported facts above can educate adult smokers on the less harmful alternatives. By switching to tobacco heating devices, cigarette smokers can reduce their exposure to harmful chemicals, which in turn lowers the risks associated with tobacco products.
Ultimately, it is hoped that the smoke-free alternatives will eventually play a significant role in building a smoke-free Malaysia. Click here to learn more about tobacco heating devices or follow IQOS on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news.
*These products are not risk-free and contain nicotine, which is addictive. Only for use by adults who would otherwise continue to smoke or use other nicotine products.
