How harmful are IQOS vaping devices?

How harmful are IQOS vaping devices? IQOS is a heated tobacco product that has gained popularity worldwide since its launch and is considered a good alternative to traditional cigarettes. Why do we seek alternatives to cigarettes? Because the harm caused by cigarettes is significant, but does using IQOS also pose substantial risks? Today, we will discuss this issue.
 
How harmful are IQOS vaping devices? Research from Bern University in Switzerland

Research from Bern University in Switzerland shows that IQOS contains various carcinogenic chemical components, including carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. Additionally, research from the Japan Society for Tobacco Control indicates that claims of IQOS being less harmful to health and having no secondhand smoke risks are not accurate; it still poses health risks to both smokers and those around them. Analysts state that because harmful substances are not visible, those around smokers cannot perceive or avoid their dangers, thus increasing the risks of secondhand smoke exposure. Furthermore, researchers from the Journal of the American Medical Association have stated that IQOS, as a heated tobacco product, releases harmful substances that can affect the health of others.

How harmful are IQOS vaping devices? PMI's (Philip Morris International) research

On August 30, 2018, Philip Morris International conducted a non-clinical study in Seoul, South Korea, comparing the inhalation of IQOS smoke with traditional cigarette smoke over 18 months using laboratory mice. The results showed that female mice exposed to cigarette smoke had a significantly higher incidence of lung cancer diversity compared to male mice exposed to IQOS smoke. The study concluded that male mice inhaling IQOS smoke experienced reduced lung damage and inflammation compared to female mice.

Philip Morris Korea further called on the Korean Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) to clarify its conclusions regarding heated tobacco products from June 7, as their analysis, along with other independent international studies, confirmed that the harmful substance testing of nine chemicals showed an average reduction of 90% in harmful substances compared to the top five cigarette brands in Korea.
 
How harmful are IQOS vaping devices? Research from Yunnan Tobacco

We refer to a professional research report from the Technical Center of Yunnan Tobacco Technology Co., Ltd., which concludes that most HPHCs in IQOS aerosol are reduced by over 90%, such as inorganic compounds (CO, hydrogen cyanide, nitrogen oxides) reduced by 96% to 99%, aldehyde and ketone compounds (formaldehyde, acrolein, butyraldehyde, crotonaldehyde, methyl ethyl ketone) reduced by 90% to 96%, volatile components reduced by over 98%, tobacco-specific nitrosamines (NNK, NNN, NAT, NAB) reduced by 93% to 97%, phenolic compounds (except for o-phenylphenol) reduced by 91% to 99%, B[a]P reduced by 90%, styrene reduced by 97%, and aromatic amines reduced by 99%, with lead reduced by 90% and cadmium by 99%. Heated tobacco products, as a new type of tobacco product, aim to reduce health risks associated with smoke. To understand the health risks posed by heated tobacco products, some researchers have conducted toxicological evaluations, which indicate that heated tobacco aerosols are less toxic than traditional cigarettes, providing a real tobacco flavor with fewer HPHCs, showing significant advantages over traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes.

How harmful are IQOS vaping devices? Opinions from veteran smokers

Honestly, the goal of replacing traditional cigarettes with e-cigarettes is to reduce smoking harm, so I am quite concerned about whether e-cigarettes are harmful to health. Before purchasing IQOS, I reviewed a lot of related information and found that it indeed poses much less harm to the body compared to traditional cigarettes, which is why I decided to use it. Now, I share the information I have gathered with fellow smokers.
 
I first checked the IQOS official website, which states that IQOS reduces harm to the body to 10% of that of traditional cigarettes, and there is no tar or harm from combustion. This is mainly because IQOS heats real tobacco to about 300 degrees Celsius to produce vapor, rather than generating vapor through burning e-liquid like traditional cigarettes.

It is important to note that IQOS only heats tobacco to around 300 degrees, while traditional cigarettes burn at temperatures as high as 800-900 degrees. Clinical studies have shown that the toxin levels in the blood and urine of IQOS users are lower than those of traditional cigarette users. However, this observation period was only five days, and there is currently no corresponding verification, but the pollution of lung tissue caused by smoke has shown significant improvement.

The impact of smoking on the body is multifaceted, but so far, the safest alternative to traditional cigarettes remains e-cigarettes, and IQOS, as the pioneer of e-cigarettes, was born out of market demand. Its unique heated tobacco technology and high-end design have made it popular among smokers. However, smokers must also recognize that while IQOS poses significantly less harm than traditional cigarettes, it still carries some risks. IQOS is merely a substitute for traditional cigarettes, aimed at reducing smoking harm; the wisest approach remains to quit smoking altogether.

How harmful are IQOS vaping devices? Summary

In summary, IQOS vaping devices do have some harm, but it is certain that they are less harmful than traditional cigarettes. However, we should not overlook the potential risks of IQOS, as studies have shown that IQOS contains carcinogenic components and can harm the health of others, so non-smokers should refrain from using it.