Smoking has been a human habit for centuries. It is the most common cause of death worldwide, killing millions of people every year.

It is notoriously difficult to quit smoking, and many people turn to alternatives like e-cigarettes and shisha to try and curb their addiction. However, these alternatives are more harmful than people realize, and there is a new player on the block that is potentially even more lethal.

What are e-cigarettes?

E-cigarettes are electronic devices that heat a liquid containing nicotine and other chemicals, creating an inhalable vapor. They were originally marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, but the reality is very different.

E-cigarettes have been linked to severe lung damage and lung disease, including a condition known as “vaping lung.”.

What is conventional smoking?

Conventional smoking involves lighting a tobacco cigarette and inhaling the smoke. Tobacco contains nicotine, tar, and other chemicals that can cause cancer, heart disease, and respiratory problems.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking kills more than 480,000 Americans every year, making it the leading cause of preventable death in the United States.

What is Shisha?

Shisha (also known as hookah) is a water pipe used to smoke sweetened and flavored tobacco. Many people believe that shisha is less harmful than cigarettes, but this is a myth.

A typical one-hour shisha session involves inhaling as much smoke as you would from 100 cigarettes. This can increase the risk of cancer, heart disease, and respiratory problems.

IQOS: A new contender

IQOS (pronounced “eye-kos”) is a heated tobacco device developed by the tobacco company Philip Morris International. It heats tobacco at a lower temperature than a conventional cigarette, producing an aerosol that the user inhales.

IQOS is a relatively new product, and there is limited research on its health effects. However, early studies suggest that IQOS is not a safe alternative to smoking.

What are the dangers of IQOS?

IQOS has been shown to release many of the same toxic chemicals as conventional cigarettes. These chemicals can cause cancer, heart disease, and respiratory problems.

Additionally, IQOS use can lead to nicotine addiction, making it difficult for users to quit smoking altogether.

IQOS marketing and regulatory challenges

IQOS has been heavily marketed as a safer alternative to conventional smoking. However, the marketing claims have been contested by public health experts and regulatory agencies.

In 2020, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rejected Philip Morris International’s application to market IQOS as a “modified risk tobacco product.” The FDA found that there was not enough scientific evidence to support the claim that IQOS is a safer alternative to smoking.

Conclusion

E-cigarettes, conventional cigarettes, shisha, and IQOS are all harmful to your health. They can increase your risk of cancer, heart disease, and respiratory problems.

Many people find it difficult to quit smoking, but there are resources available to help you quit. Talk to your healthcare provider, join a support group, or try a nicotine replacement therapy like gum or patches. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health and well-being.