South Korea is the world’s second-largest heated tobacco product (HTP) market after Japan. This trend underscores a growing interest among many individuals in seeking alternatives to traditional cigarette smoking.

However, Have you ever wondered what’s the difference between cigarettes, vaping, and heated tobacco? Here are some answers to those questions.

Cigarettes burn tobacco and create smoke

Combustion:

Traditional cigarettes burn tobacco leaves, producing smoke that is inhaled into the lungs. It burns at 600 °C, but can flare above 800 °C during a puff.

Harmful Chemicals:

It is the action of burning that releases most of the harmful and potentially harmful chemicals into the smoke that is inhaled. And it’s the high level of chemicals that are the primary cause of smoking-related diseases. Cigarette smoke contains thousands of harmful chemicals, including tar, carbon monoxide, and various carcinogens.

Nicotine intake:

Cigarettes deliver nicotine rapidly, which can lead to addiction.

Heated tobacco products versus cigarettes: Heating versus Combustion

Heating:

Heated tobacco products, or heat-not-burn (HNB) products, do exactly what their name suggests: they heat tobacco instead of burning it (meaning no combustion process). These devices heat tobacco at lower temperatures, producing an inhalable aerosol without combustion.

Reduced Harm:

Heated tobacco products are marketed as a potentially less harmful alternative to smoking, By not burning tobacco, heated tobacco products don’t create smoke and their aerosols should contain fewer and lower levels of harmful chemicals compared to cigarette smoke.

Nicotine Delivery:

Like cigarettes, HTPs deliver nicotine, but typically at lower levels.

Health Risks:

While Heated tobacco products are considered less harmful than traditional cigarettes, they are not risk-free, and their long-term health effects are still being studied.

Vaping versus smoking: no burning, no tobacco, no smoke

Like heated tobacco products, e-cigarettes don’t create smoke because they don’t burn tobacco. In fact, they don’t even contain tobacco.

Vaporization:

E-cigarettes heat a liquid (e-liquid or vape juice) to create an aerosol vapor that users inhale.

Fewer Harmful Chemicals:

While not completely risk-free, vaping generally produces fewer harmful chemicals compared to traditional cigarettes.

Nicotine Delivery:

Vaping allows users to control nicotine levels, making it easier to gradually reduce nicotine intake.

Health Risks:

The long-term health effects of vaping are still being studied, but it’s generally considered less harmful than smoking. E-liquids can be purchased in a variety of flavors and nicotine strengths, as well as nicotine-free options.

Wrapping It Up

Nowadays, more advanced ways of smoking a cigarette than the old lighting methods use a lighter or match. And more people in South Korea are making the switch to vape or heated tobacco products.

It’s important to note that all three options come with potential health risks, and the best choice depends on an individual’s specific circumstances and goals. Some people use vaping or heated tobacco as a means to quit smoking, while others may choose to abstain from all forms of nicotine. Consulting with a healthcare professional and staying informed about the latest research is advisable when making decisions about tobacco and nicotine use.