HOME Our science Heated tobacco products: how are they different from, and similar to, e-cigarettes? OUR SCIENCE Heated tobacco products: How are they different from, and similar to, e-cigarettes? 18 Oct 2019 · 2 min read There are important differences between heated tobacco products and e-cigarettes (also known as vapes and e-vapor products). Share this Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Copy Mail Heated tobacco products and e-cigarettes (also known as vapes, and e-vapor products) are two smoke-free alternatives which – when scientifically substantiated and regulated – share one crucial purpose. They can provide a better alternative to cigarettes for adult smokers who would otherwise continue smoking. But there are differences between heated tobacco products and e-cigarettes, and adult smokers should know about them. Here they are, along with some similarities: Do heated tobacco products and e-cigarettes use real tobacco? Heated tobacco devices heat real tobacco within a specific temperature range, using an electronic heat-control system to prevent it from burning. By contrast, e-cigarettes vaporize an e-liquid solution containing nicotine and flavors when a user draws on it. Do heated tobacco products and e-cigarettes contain nicotine? Heated tobacco products and most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, although some liquids for e-cigarettes are nicotine-free. Nicotine is addictive and is not risk-free. The difference between e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products 0:54 Is nicotine added to heated tobacco products or e-cigarettes? In heated tobacco products, nicotine is naturally present in the tobacco used in the product. By contrast, in e-cigarettes, nicotine derived from tobacco is added to the e-liquid used in the product. Are heated tobacco products and e-cigarettes smoke-free? Because there is no burning involved, neither heated tobacco nor e-cigarettes produce ash or smoke. Instead, they use heating systems to generate an aerosol inhaled by users. Read more on the science SMOKE-FREE LIFE Vaping: Origins, safety, ingredients, and regulations 5 min read OUR SCIENCE The role of nicotine 3 min read OUR SCIENCE The problem with burning 3 min read We’re clear that the best choice an adult smoker can make is to quit cigarettes and nicotine completely. Although smoke-free alternatives are not risk-free, it is known that the majority of harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke comes from burning tobacco. This smoke contains dozens of harmful and potentially harmful constituents. Remove the burning and you can significantly reduce the levels of many of these chemicals. Since 2008, PMI has invested more than USD 8.1 billion in the research, development, scientific substantiation, and manufacturing capacity of our range of smoke-free alternatives. They provide adult smokers who would otherwise continue smoking with a better alternative to cigarettes through our scientifically-substantiated products. None of our smoke-free products are marketed at youth, non-smokers or former smokers. We’re clear in our message: If you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you smoke, quit. If you don’t quit, change. OUR SCIENCE Vaping: Origins, safety, ingredients, and regulations A commonsense approach for public health Top 15 myths about smoke-free alternatives: Frequently asked questions The problem with burning Share this page Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Mail Read more about smoke-free alternatives SMOKE-FREE LIFE Top 15 myths about smoke-free alternatives: Frequently asked questions 5 min read SMOKE-FREE LIFE Why cigarette sales are substantially declining in Japan 3 min read OUR SCIENCE What is harm reduction? 3 min read Quick Links Our Transformation Our Initiatives Our Science Smoke-Free Life Sustainability Careers Our Business Who We Are Corporate Governance Our Standards Our Views Inclusion and Diversity Investor Relations Smoke-Free Products Media Center Suppliers Other Initiatives Unsmoke Your World PMI Science Stop Illegal PMI Privacy Legal Terms of Use Legal Documents Social Media Rules of Engagement Cookie Preferences Cookie Notice Follow us on PRIVACY NOTICE FAQ GLOSSARY CONTACT US COMPANY INFORMATION © Philip Morris Products S.A. We use cookies and similar technologies to give you a personalized experience (to suit your online behavior on this, and other, sites) for our ads, content, and communications; to improve the site; to operate the site; and to remember your preferences. Click “learn more” for more details, or to adjust the settings. You can change your mind at any time by visiting “cookie preferences”. Any personal data about you will be used as described in ourPrivacy Notice LEARN MORE I AGREE TO ALL