The recent approval of IQOS, a brand-new tobacco product, for sale in the United States has sparked worries about the possibility of the entry of another nicotine delivery system onto the market. This was the first item of its kind to be sold in the United States. In place of traditional cigarettes, these electronic gadgets usually referred to as heated tobacco products, heat tobacco leaves and create an inhalable spray.
Despite being an electronic device, IQOS terea is nonetheless categorized as a cigarette by the FDA. As a result, it is governed by the same laws as conventional cigarettes. These goods provide safer options for cigarettes. Regarding the consequences of gadgets and how they affect the environment, many things are yet unknown.
Here are IQOS’s six most crucial facts.
1. IQOS Utilizes A Technology Distinct From That Of E-Cigarettes
E-cigarettes are separate from items that only generate heat. This is because they don’t use the flavored E-liquid that is often found in electronic cigarettes, but rather actual tobacco. An alternative to e-cigarettes is Heat-Not-Burn. It enables consumers to smoke standard cigarettes without breathing in combustion.
2. The Gadgets Lack FDA Approval
FDA clarified that its decision just “permits tobacco products for sale and does not imply that such products are secure or have FDA approval. The FDA gave the business two regulatory approvals. One strategy is to sell the product as something fresh in the tobacco industry (pre-market approval), and the other is to market the product as less dangerous than other tobacco products (called Modified Risk Tobacco Product Approval). Applications for Pre-Market Approval are covered by the FDA ruling. If the gadget should be advertised as less risky than other tobacco products, the FDA has not yet decided on the matter.
3. There Is No Evidence That Heated Tobacco Products Are Safer Than Cigarettes
The tobacco industry claims its heat-not-burn products are safer than cigarettes. When burned, tobacco produces more than seven thousand chemicals like cigarette smoke. Cigarettes may be more harmful than IQOS. The company’s statistics don’t support these claims, according to several Tobacco Control magazines. Although IQOS has fewer carcinogens than cigarettes, it nonetheless exposes users to higher amounts. Users of IQOS may be at higher risk for some diseases and lower risk for others. Using fewer dangerous substances doesn’t inevitably reduce harm. Promises of reduced exposure should not be confused with reduced harm.
4. Youth Might Find IQOS Appealing
Truth Initiative(r) found that IQOS’s marketing portrays it as “intellectual,” aspirational, and smart. Given the youth epidemic, the product’s promotion is particularly troubling. E-cigarette use has increased, particularly among young people who have never smoked. Middle kids used e-cigarettes 48% more and high scholars 78% more in one year. Tobacco Control produced another research highlighting similar issues. It found that teens may like IQOS, which is advertised similarly. IQOS advertising is limited by the FDA, including on social media. They also require that adult viewers only see ads.
5. Menthol tobacco cartridges may strengthen Marlboro
Heat sticks will contain menthol when they are released. There is evidence that this flavor appeals to younger users and makes smoking more convenient. In addition, the flavor may attract younger users. In the application submitted to the FDA, there was no mention of the implications that the menthol-based variation would have on product attractiveness, toxicological effects, health consequences, or any other characteristics.
6. These Items Show Industry Compliance With More Regulations
The tobacco industry wants to undercut laws and regulations. According to Tobacco Control’s analysis, they present the industry as a part of the solution rather than the problem by making claims about harm reduction. Heated cigarettes are the latest attempt by tobacco businesses to adapt to a changing legal landscape to retain and grow their client base amid diminishing social acceptance for tobacco use and decreased tobacco consumption.” Companies offer heated tobacco products in places with lax restrictions or legal loopholes to broaden consumer acceptability.
