Top myths about smoke-free alternatives

Answers to commonly asked questions about smoke-free alternatives. Learn more about vapes, e-cigarettes and heat-not-burn products.

1. Are smoke-free alternatives different to cigarettes?

YES

Smoke-free alternatives don’t burn tobacco, which means that, if they are scientifically substantiated and regulated to an appropriate standard, they are a better alternative to continuing to smoke cigarettes. Importantly, they are not risk-free. The best choice is always to quit tobacco and nicotine completely.

2. Are all smoke-free products the same?

NO

There are actually a number of differences—and some similarities—between heat-not-burn devices (also known as heated tobacco products), and e-cigarettes (also known as vapes, e-vapor products, and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems). They are all smoke-free alternatives to the continued use of cigarettes. But heat-not-burn products heat real tobacco within a specific temperature range, generally using an electronic heat-control system to prevent it from burning. E-cigarettes, by contrast, usually vaporize a liquid solution containing nicotine and flavors when a user draws on it.

3. Do smoke-free alternatives contain nicotine?

YES

All heated tobacco products that have been commercialized contain nicotine, because it occurs naturally in tobacco. Most vapes and e-cigarettes also contain nicotine. Nicotine is one of the reasons people smoke, along with taste and ritual. In order for adult smokers to fully switch from cigarettes to better alternatives than continued smoking, these products generally need to contain nicotine.

4. Is nicotine the main cause of smoking-related diseases?

NO

Nicotine is not the main cause of smoking-related diseases. These diseases, such as lung cancer, cardiovascular disease and emphysema, are caused primarily by inhaling harmful compounds formed when tobacco is burned. Nicotine is addictive and not risk free.

5. Is vaping addictive?

YES

Vaping generally involves inhalation of nicotine, which is addictive, and not risk free. Quitting tobacco and nicotine completely is always the best choice. And while quitting can be difficult, millions of people do each year.