Top Questions About IQOS in Dubai – Answered
What are the Common Questions About IQOS in UAE?
If you’ve spent any time in Dubai or the wider UAE recently you’ve probably noticed the growing popularity of IQOS. These new devices are everywhere, a modern alternative to traditional cigarettes. But with this new trend comes a lot of questions. People are naturally curious about its safety, its legality and how it compares to vaping or smoking.
This blog post is your go-to resource for answers to the most frequently asked questions about IQOS in Dubai.
Common Questions About IQOS in Dubai
What is IQOS and Who Owns It?
IQOS is a heated tobacco product developed and owned by Philip Morris International (PMI), one of the world’s leading tobacco companies. Despite a common myth that the name stands for “I Quit Ordinary Smoking” PMI has stated that it is simply a brand name.
Is IQOS less harmful than cigarettes?
Yes. The main difference is that IQOS heats tobacco instead of burning it. This process called “heat-not-burn” eliminates combustion and therefore produces a tobacco vapor instead of smoke. This results in much lower levels of many harmful chemicals compared to cigarette smoke.
But it’s important to understand that IQOS is not risk free. It still delivers nicotine which is addictive and contains other harmful substances.
Is IQOS safer than vaping? Which one is healthier?
No. Neither is healthy, but the current scientific consensus is that vaping may be a lower risk option than IQOS. While both contain nicotine, vaping heats an e-liquid (which has no tobacco) whereas IQOS heats real tobacco sticks.
The long term effects of both are still being studied but the best choice for your health is to quit all tobacco and nicotine products altogether.
Does IQOS mean I quit ordinary smoking?
No. Many users switch from traditional cigarettes to IQOS Dubai but that doesn’t mean they have quit smoking. It’s a different way of nicotine and tobacco consumption. The best for your health is to be free of all tobacco and nicotine products.
Is one IQOS stick equal to one cigarette?
No. One IQOS Terea stick is designed to give you a similar experience to a single cigarette and the nicotine intake for users is often similar. But the nicotine content and delivery is different. A Terea stick has about 0.5 mg of nicotine, a cigarette has 10-12 mg of which a smoker absorbs only 1-2 mg. The heating of IQOS allows for similar nicotine absorption levels.
Is IQOS safe for lungs?
No. No tobacco or nicotine product is safe for the lungs. While IQOS reduces exposure to many of the toxins found in cigarette smoke, including a 2022 paper in Toxicology Letters researchhas shown it can still cause oxidative stress and inflammation in lung cells.
Is IQOS as addictive as vapes?
Yes. Both IQOS and vapes contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance. The level of addiction is dependent on the nicotine content in the product and the user’s consumption habits, not the device itself.
What are the side effects of IQOS?
Common side effects of IQOS are similar to traditional smoking due to nicotine content, increased heart rate, high blood pressure and potential for addiction. Other reported side effects may be cough, dry mouth or throat irritation.
Is IQOS legal in UAE and Dubai?
Yes. As of 2019, UAE has officially legalized the sale, import and use of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products like IQOS. So you can legally buy and use IQOS devices and HEETS sticks at authorized retailers across the country, including Dubai.
Which countries have banned IQOS?
IQOS is legal in many countries but not all. Some countries that have banned heated tobacco products are Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Oman and Singapore. Always check the local regulations of your destination before traveling.
Is IQOS a vape or an e-cigarette?
No. IQOS is not a vape nor a traditional e-cigarette. It’s classified as a “heated tobacco product”. Vapes use a liquid, IQOS uses real tobacco sticks . This difference makes it a separate product category.
Can I bring IQOS on a plane?
Yes. But pack your IQOS device and spare batteries in your carry-on luggage only. Due to international regulations on lithium-ion batteries, these items are not allowed in checked baggage.
Do smoke detectors detect IQOS?
No. IQOS produces a vapour, not smoke. While this makes it less likely to trigger a smoke alarm than a traditional cigarette, it’s not a guarantee. The dense vapour can still be mistaken for smoke by very sensitive detectors. Always use your IQOS in designated smoking areas.
Conclusion
IQOS is getting more and more popular in Dubai and the UAE, a new way for smokers. While it’s a less harmful alternative to traditional smoking by avoiding combustion, it’s not risk free. It’s a nicotine and tobacco product with its own health risks.
If you are in Dubai, you can find IQOS devices and Heat sticks at licensed retailers like Terea Dubai. The most responsible choice for your health is to be free of all tobacco and nicotine products.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for information purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a doctor for any health concerns.