Published on: 18/03/2024
WHY MARLBORO DOES NOT PRODUCE REAL ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES AND HOW THESE DEVICES DIFFER FROM VAPING DEVICES
In the field of alternatives to traditional cigarettes, we are witnessing the appearance on the market of a growing number of very varied products. Among these, the so-called ‘ Marlboro electronic cigarettes ‘ have been gaining increasing importance for several years , a term which from a lexical point of view is linked to the world of vaping. Yet, as we will see shortly, these devices have nothing to do with those used by vapers.
In the following article we will examine the main characteristics of the so-called Marlboro electronic cigarettes, their functioning and the differences with electronic cigarettes proper .
IQOS are not full-fledged e-cigarettes: here’s why
Marlboro e-cigarettes, known as IQOS, aren’t actually e-cigarettes at all . In fact, their operation is not based on the vaporization of e-liquid , but on the heating of tobacco. The philosophy behind IQOS is to offer an experience reminiscent of conventional smoking, while minimizing some of the negative aspects associated with burning tobacco.
It is a process advertised as ‘ Heat-not-burn ‘ which aims to reduce the production of some harmful substances typical of traditional cigarettes, while offering a similar experience to their consumption. The presence of a heating plate, usually made of materials such as ceramic and platinum, is essential to ensure controlled and uniform heating of the tobacco.
What does a full-fledged electronic cigarette consist of?
In the context of alternatives to tobacco smoking, traditional e-cigarettes offer a different experience than IQOS. Characterized by their ability to vaporize e-liquids , these devices have become popular due to their versatility and customizability .
An electronic cigarette is mainly made up of two parts:
- atomizer . This is the main component of the electronic cigarette. It contains the electrical resistance (coil) and the tank where the vaping liquid is stored. The resistance heats up when the battery is activated, thus vaporizing the e-liquid contained in the tank. The atomizer can have different configurations and designs, based on the model and brand of the electronic cigarette;
- box . It is a small plastic box that contains the battery and the electronics necessary to power the atomizer. It offers users the ability to adjust various parameters such as wattage and temperature, thus allowing detailed customization of the vaping experience. Some box mods come with additional displays and controls for ease of use.
The operation of an e-cigarette begins when the user activates the battery, usually via a button. The electric current heats the coil in the atomizer, which in turn vaporizes the e-liquid contained in the tank. The vaper then inhales the vapor produced through a mouthpiece (drip tip).
The main technical differences between vaping devices and IQOS
From a technical perspective, heating the tobacco in the IQOS would appear to offer an experience that more closely resembles traditional smoking, while maintaining the characteristic taste of tobacco. However, thanks to the continuous development of tobacco e-liquids , vaping devices now have nothing to envy of ‘Heat-not-burn’ ones from the point of view of faithfully reproducing the aroma of cigarettes .
Furthermore, vaporizing the liquid in e-cigarettes allows for greater control over the vaping experience. The choice of e-liquids with different flavors and nicotine levels, combined with the ability to adjust power and temperature, allows users to customize their experience based on each individual’s preferences in a much more precise way than with IQOS .
To all this must be added the possibility of regulating the hit (the ‘hit in the throat’ sensation typical of nicotine) and the level of body of the vapor based on the proportions of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG), the main ingredients of e-cig liquids . These features allow for a level of personalization of the experience that is practically unattainable with other tobacco alternatives such as IQOS.
Health impact: a comparison between IQOS and e-cigarettes
In the discussion on alternatives to traditional smoking, beyond the topics addressed so far, it is essential to examine the impact on health , a complex and delicate topic that requires an impartial analysis based on up-to-date scientific research.
Often both electronic cigarettes themselves and IQOS are indicated as less harmful options than cigarettes . The main reason for this, as we have seen previously, lies in the absence of combustion of tobacco, the chemical process responsible for the production of thousands of toxic substances, many of which have carcinogenic properties.
As regards vaping devices, up to now scientific research has actually detected a drastic drop in harmfulness compared to traditional cigarettes, estimated in the order of 95% : a real enormity that has made them a possible option for the transition from smoking to a totally smoke-free life . However, it should be specified that the vaporization of e-liquids is not totally risk-free and, above all, that the long-term effects can only be truly understood with further studies on the matter.
IQOS, which uses heat-not-burn technology to heat tobacco without burning it, also has a potentially reduced risk profile compared to traditional smoking. Despite this, there still remain strong doubts and discussions in the scientific community regarding the long-term impact of this technology on health. On the other hand, it has been found that, although they reduce the presence of toxic substances compared to the combustion of tobacco, IQOS are not without health risks.
Electronic cigarettes or IQOS: what is better for the environment?
When comparing the main differences between electronic cigarettes proper and IQOS, it is crucial to also consider the environmental and sustainability implications . This topic is of growing public interest and requires objective analysis to understand the ecological impact of these technologies.
In principle, it is possible to make similar considerations for both devices: the environmental impact of these technologies depends largely on the goodwill of users in following the guidelines on the recycling and disposal of electronic components , such as atomizers, batteries and devices. for heating tobacco.
In the case of IQOS, a separate discussion must be made on tobacco sticks, i.e. the cigarette-shaped sticks that are inserted into the device. These, although they may be less polluting than cigarettes, still have a non-negligible environmental impact , especially due to the presence of bioplastic filters, a material that takes dozens and dozens of years to fully decompose.
Read also: Smoking and sport: this is how cigarettes compromise physical activity in the short and long term
In conclusion
In light of this comparison between traditional electronic cigarettes and IQOS, it emerges that the former can be considered a more advantageous choice for several reasons.
Vaping devices offer a level of customization that goes far beyond what IQOS can provide. Users have the option to choose from a wide range of e-liquids , with a variety of flavors and nicotine levels. This allows not only greater satisfaction during use, but also more precise control over the intensity and quality of the vaping experience.
Furthermore, although not risk-free, e-cigarettes are generally considered less harmful than traditional smoking and potentially also than IQOS devices. The vaporization of the liquid in e-cigs avoids the combustion of tobacco, a process known for generating multiple harmful and carcinogenic substances. Furthermore, the total absence of tobacco in any form makes them preferable to the heaters in question.
Takeaways
- Marlboro e-cigarettes, known as IQOS, differ from traditional e-cigarettes in that they do not vaporize e-liquid but heat tobacco. This process is known as “Heat-not-burn” and is designed to offer a similar experience to conventional smoking while minimizing some of the negative aspects of burning tobacco.
- Traditional electronic cigarettes vaporize e-liquid via an atomizer and a battery contained in a box mod. These devices offer a highly customizable experience, allowing users to choose from a wide range of flavors and nicotine levels.
- Both traditional e-cigarettes and IQOS are generally considered less harmful than traditional cigarettes due to the absence of tobacco combustion. However, uncertainties remain about the long-term health impact, especially for IQOS.
- E-cigarettes offer a much greater level of customization of the vaping experience than IQOS. Users can choose from a variety of e-liquids, adjust the strength and temperature, and customize the intensity of the “throat hit” based on their preferences.
- The environmental impact of the two technologies largely depends on the correct disposal of electronic components. However, IQOS can have a greater impact due to the cigarette-shaped sticks and bioplastic filters that take a long time to decompose.
Questions answers
What are Marlboro e-cigarettes?
Marlboro e-cig, known as IQOS, are devices that heat tobacco rather than vaporize e-liquid, offering an experience similar to traditional smoking but with fewer harmful substances.
What are the differences between IQOS and e-cigarettes?
The main differences between IQOS and e-cigarettes lie in the method of operation. IQOS heats tobacco, while e-cigarettes vaporize e-liquid. Additionally, e-cigarettes offer greater customization of the vaping experience, while IQOS seeks to replicate the experience of traditional smoking.
Are IQOS harmful to your health?
IQOS are considered less harmful than traditional cigarettes, as they reduce some of the harmful substances associated with burning tobacco. However, there are still questions regarding the long-term impact on health. It is important to note that, although less harmful, IQOS are not entirely free of health risks.