As a regular smoker, I have always been curious about new tobacco products in the market. Recently, I stumbled upon a device called IQOS and its accompanying heatsticks. Instantly, it caught my attention and I wanted to know more about it. After doing some research, I found out that IQOS heatsticks are gaining popularity in the USA, and I was intrigued to find out why. In this article, I will be sharing my thoughts and experiences regarding IQOS heatsticks in the context of the USA, providing quality information to all those who are curious about this product. If you’re interested in learning more about IQOS heatsticks in the USA, keep reading!
Firstly, what exactly are IQOS heatsticks? IQOS, which stands for I-Quit-Ordinary-Smoking, is a tobacco heating system created by the popular cigarette company, Philip Morris International (PMI). Unlike traditional cigarettes, IQOS does not use combustion or burn tobacco, rather it heats the tobacco-filled heatsticks to produce a nicotine-containing vapor. This vapor gives the user the same satisfaction as smoking a traditional cigarette, without the harmful smoke and ash. Let’s delve deeper into the specifics of IQOS heatsticks.
IQOS heatsticks consist of three main components – a holder, a charger, and the heatsticks. The holder is where the heatsticks are inserted, and it is also where the heating process takes place. The charger is used to recharge the holder when the battery runs low. The heatsticks, which are similar in size and shape to traditional cigarettes, are made from a specially designed tobacco blend. They are inserted into the holder and heated up to a maximum temperature of 350°C, which is significantly lower than the 800°C temperature of traditional cigarettes. This lower temperature produces a vapor that contains significantly lower levels of harmful chemicals compared to cigarette smoke.
Now, let’s talk about the availability of IQOS heatsticks in the USA. The use of IQOS and heatsticks is not yet widely available nationwide in the USA, but PMI has been working vigorously to expand its reach. Currently, IQOS heatsticks are available in three states – Georgia, Virginia, and North Carolina. PMI plans to expand to 16 states by the end of 2021 and eventually nationwide. This is great news for smokers looking for an alternative to traditional cigarettes, as they will have easy access to this innovative product.
One reason for the slow expansion of IQOS in the USA is due to the regulations set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In 2009, the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act gave the FDA regulatory authority over all tobacco products, including “modified risky” products like IQOS. PMI had to go through a rigorous two-year premarket review process, resulting in the IQOS being granted a “modified risk” label by the FDA in July of 2020. This label allows PMI to market IQOS as a product with reduced exposure to harmful chemicals, compared to traditional cigarettes. This brings me to my next point – the safety and health concerns regarding IQOS.
As with any new tobacco product, safety and health concerns are always raised. However, PMI has conducted extensive scientific research and studies, with over 4300 studies and experiments carried out by more than 1000 scientists. The results of these studies have been published in various scientific journals and have been reviewed by independent experts. PMI has also made this information publicly available for anyone to access. These studies have shown that switching to IQOS from traditional cigarettes may potentially result in reduced health risk compared to continued smoking. While more long-term research is still needed, the preliminary findings are promising.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room – the cost of IQOS heatsticks. Admittedly, IQOS is a more expensive option compared to traditional cigarettes. A pack of 20 heatsticks can cost around $6-$8, while a pack of 20 cigarettes can cost around $6-$10, depending on the brand and location. However, PMI offers various promotions, discounts, and loyalty programs to its customers, making IQOS more affordable in the long run. Additionally, switching to IQOS means potentially saving on healthcare costs in the future, considering its reduced-risk profile compared to traditional cigarettes.
In conclusion, after trying out IQOS heatsticks for myself and researching extensively, I can say that this product has the potential to be a game-changer for smokers in the USA. Its innovative technology, reduced-risk label from the FDA, and PMI’s efforts in expanding its reach make it a promising alternative to traditional cigarettes. As a smoker, I am excited to see how IQOS will continue to evolve and become more easily accessible in the USA. I highly recommend giving IQOS a try and experiencing its benefits for yourself. For more information or to purchase IQOS heatsticks, visit iqos heatsticks usa.