IQOSTM vs. e-Cigarette vs. Tobacco Cigarette: A Direct Comparison of Short-Term Effects after Overnight-Abstinence

Abstract

Introduction: Research from Philip Morris International’s science division on its Heat-not-Burn product IQOSTM focused on its chemical, toxicological, clinical, and behavioral aspects. Independent research on the experiences and behavioral aspects of using IQOSTM, and how it compares to e-cigarettes, is largely lacking. The current randomized, cross-over behavioral trial tried to bridge the latter gaps. Methods: Participants (n = 30) came to the lab on three consecutive days after being overnight smoking abstinent. During each session, participants used one of three products (cigarette, e-cigarette, or IQOSTM) for five minutes. Exhaled CO (eCO) measurements and questionnaires were repeatedly administered throughout the session. Results: Smoking a cigarette for five minutes resulted in a significant increase of eCO, whereas using an IQOSTM resulted in a small but reliable increase (0.3 ppm). Vaping did not affect eCO. Cigarette craving reduced significantly after product use, with the decline being stronger for smoking than for e-cigarettes or IQOSTM. Withdrawal symptoms declined immediately after smoking or using IQOSTM, and with some delay after vaping. IQOSTM scored higher in terms of subjective reward/satisfaction and was slightly preferred to the e-cigarette. Discussion: Short-term use of IQOSTM has a minimal impact on eCO, is equally effective in reducing cigarette craving and withdrawal symptoms as an e-cigarette, and is slightly preferred.

Comparative Indoor Pollution from Glo, Iqos, and Juul, Using Traditional Combustion Cigarettes as Benchmark: Evidence from the Randomized SUR-VAPES AIR Trial

“…Accordingly, it is paramount to expand the evidence concerning these products, with details worth being sought ranging from cardiovascular effects to additivity and polluting impact. Indeed, while the dramatic and persisting indoor polluting effect of TCC is very clear, MRP also adversely modify indoor ambient air [ 20 ], for instance, by releasing PM and other established or potentially toxic agents [ 35 ]. This holds true for HNBC as well as EVC, despite their evident inherent differences [ 35 , 36 ].…”

“…This might hold even truer when specific flavors are used, given the potential to increase exponentially the release of potentially hazardous agents, putting particularly some individuals at risk who could be more susceptible than others [ 17 ]. Accordingly, several reports have highlighted that MRP cannot be considered risk-free, given the multidimensional hazards associated with their use, chronic as well as acute [ 18 , 19 , 20 ].…”

Smoking Dependent Alterations in Bone Formation and Inflammation Represent Major Risk Factors for Complications Following Total Joint Arthroplasty

“…Active intervention, e.g., with standardized smoking cessation programs, kept patients from smoking for longer times [57]. Offering of alternative products, e.g., e-cigarettes or tobacco heat systems, were helpful in reducing acute cravings for cigarettes [58]. However, the effects of this kind of intervention on the clinical outcome of orthopedic/trauma surgery have yet to be investigated.…”

Heat Not Burn Tobacco Product—A New Global Trend: Impact of Heat-Not-Burn Tobacco Products on Public Health, a Systematic Review

“…A study published in 2018 has showed that short-term use of a specific HnB product, IQOS, may be effective to momentarily reduce acute cigarette craving while having a minimal impact on the eCO (abbrev. exhaled carbon monoxide) levels [28]. Another study from 2017 has concentrated on the hazards and toxicity of iQOS.…”