The first time you heard of heated tobacco devices, did you perhaps think that they were the same thing as electronic cigarettes? While both products are electronic, smoke-free alternatives for smokers who would otherwise continue to smoke or use other nicotine products, there are some differences to be aware of when making a choice between heated tobacco devices and e-cigarettes.
What are e-cigarettes or electronic cigarettes?
Electronic cigarettes are one type of alternative to continued smoking. They are handheld devices that come in various sizes, with customization options. Some e-cigarettes are disposable, while others can be reused. In general, e-cigarettes heat e-liquids in order to generate an aerosol, also called a vapor. Those who use e-cigarettes also use the e-liquids, which come in various flavors, and may contain nicotine.
Electronic cigarettes heat and vaporize e-liquids between a wide range of temperatures – it could be anywhere from 100 degrees C to 250 degrees C. The e-liquid is drawn from the tank of the e-cigarette and put into contact with a battery powered heating component. Heating the liquid makes it evaporate, and when that happens, the vapor can be drawn from the device through a mouthpiece.
What is heated tobacco?
Heating tobacco instead of burning it means that fewer harmful chemicals are released (as the heating temperature is controlled to not exceed a limit, such as 350 degrees C). Heat-not-burn devices often use tobacco sticks which, when heated, release tobacco flavor with no fire, no ash, and no smoke.
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Heated tobacco vs. e‑cigarettes
So, if you are a smoker who would otherwise continue to smoke or use other nicotine products looking for an alternative to cigarettes, how do you distinguish between heated tobacco and e-cigarettes? While they are both electronic alternatives to continued smoking, the key differentiator between the two is this: tobacco heating systems heats processed tobacco, while e-cigarettes vaporize an e-liquid.
