HEAT NOT BURN—WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
There is growing awareness among users of those who smoke traditional cigarettes and the disadvantages it causes, especially in the long run. The popularity of devices, such as tobacco heaters and e-cigarettes, that offer an alternative to smoking traditional tobacco is also growing. Tobacco heating products (THPs) use a heat-not-burn method, which allows for a possible reduction of damage from tobacco consumption.
WHAT ARE THE PRODUCTS THAT USE HEAT-NOT-BURN TECHNOLOGY?
A heat-not-burn approach is a way for smokers to consume nicotine without the need to light the tobacco. In other words, with the tobacco heating device, you are able to heat up tobacco in the form of sticks (i.e. neo™ sticks) instead of burning them.
A cigarette that is burned reaches a temperature up to 900 degrees Celsius, which is a high temperature that is not necessary to release nicotine. Nicotine is able to evaporate from tobacco at a much lower temperature and can therefore be heated at about 200 to 300 degrees Celsius. This is why the heat-not-burn technology is more favorable compared to traditional cigarettes, as heating tobacco results in less harmful substances being emitted. However, it is important to note that tobacco heating products have been around for a relatively short time and research is still needed to better answer questions regarding the full impact on the human body. So far, the use of tobacco heating products seems to have less consequences to the health than conventional cigarettes due to the reduction of 90 percent of tar*.
HOW DO THE TOBACCO HEATING PRODUCTS WORK?
Tobacco heating products work by placing appropriate sticks filled with real tobacco inside them. They are inserted into a special heating chamber where they are exposed to temperatures high enough to release nicotine. Each tobacco heater is equipped with a rechargeable battery cell. When the device is charged and turned on, it can return its electrical energy into the heating system. The specificities in terms of the way tobacco heating products function differs depending on the models of the devices. A way for the heating system to work in such devices is by convection technology, i.e. heating the air drawn in by the user while using the device.
The glo™ brand uses induction technology as a heating system for its devices. It is able to evenly heat all the walls of the heating chamber where the tobacco sticks are inserted. The release of nicotine is in the form of aerosol, which is potentially less harmful than smoke in traditional cigarettes.
ARE TOBACCO HEATERS A GOOD CHOICE FOR SMOKERS?
Although tobacco heaters cannot be considered a completely safe alternative to traditional cigarettes, they can still serve as a potential way to reduce the consequences associated with traditional smoking.
It is also worth mentioning that tobacco heaters, due to their functioning characteristics, are a zero burn and zero ash product**. Instead of smoke being emitted, aerosol is produced as a result, making it a better alternative to consumers who value discretion, as well as dislike the smell of cigarette smoke.
