Wondering what “heat not burn” is? You’re certainly not the only one.
Heat-not-burn (HNB) products, as they pertain to tobacco, are devices designed to heat tobacco at a temperature lower than that at which cigarettes are burned.
By one definition, HNB products are designed to heat tobacco to the point at which vaporization occurs, releasing a “vapor” or aerosol intended for user inhalation.
A variation of the heat-not-burn concept is the electronic cigarette, which is a type of vaporizer designed to heat liquid nicotine (e-liquid) to the point at which vaporization occurs, which occurs at a lower temperature than combustion.
History
The very first HNB product was released to market back in 1988, but at the time, the concept didn’t catch on and subsequently proved to be a commercial failure for R.J. Reynolds, who released the “Premier” – the very first HNB product. Then, in 2014, Philip Morris released a new HNB product, the iQOS, which has quickly gained steam since its initial launch in Japan and Italy.
Today, heat-not-burn products have risen dramatically in popularity. In Japan, where electronic cigarettes are effectively banned, heat-not-burn products are rising rapidly in popularity as their sales continue to skyrocket in the absence of electronic cigarette competitors.
Regulations & Taxes
HNB’s rise in popularity has not gone unnoticed by lawmakers and regulators, which have looked to reel in the market before it goes unchecked. In Israel, lawmakers have hit the iQOS device with a 65 percent tax. And in Japan, the government is considering imposing a similar tax on HNB product sales in the country, which Philip Morris is currently in the best position for if they go into effect.
Health Implications
While there is evidence to suggest that heat-not-burn products are less harmful than the cigarettes they look to replace, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has rejected Philip Morris’ advertising proposal that their iQOS device be marketed as a lower-risk alternative to cigarettes.
According to a claim made on the website of Philip Morris International (PMI), heat-not-burn products produce levels of harmful chemicals that “are significantly reduced” in comparison to cigarette smoke.
“The heating process generates a flavorful nicotine-containing vapor. And since the tobacco does not burn, the levels of harmful chemicals are significantly reduced compared to cigarette smoke.”
In the United Kingdom, an expert advisory panel to the government concluded that while HNB products are safer than regular cigarettes, they themselves are harmful to human health as they produce “a number of compounds of concern,” including those that can cause cancer.
The Best Portable Vaporizer Under $150...
You Haven't Lived Until You've Tried This Vape...
This Automatic Herb Grinder Can Roll You Joints...