BURNING IS THE PROBLEM

WHAT IS “TAR,” AND WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU REMOVE THE COMBUSTION OF TOBACCO?

One of the most harmful elements of cigarette smoke is what many people refer to as “tar.” Tar is a standardized machine-tested weight measurement for the particulate residue from cigarette smoke after nicotine and water are subtracted. It is not an additive, nor is it the same as the substance used on roads.

Tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide yields for the same cigarette brand can vary due to differences in the testing methodology used by various public health agencies, and these testing methods do not accurately replicate actual smoking behavior. Therefore, an increasing number of public health agencies, such as those in the European Union, are moving away from printing these metrics on cigarette packs over concerns they could be misleading to consumers.

Tar is generally not used as a measurement in connection with smoke-free alternatives— such as heated tobacco products, ecigarettes, and snus—because they are fundamentally different from cigarettes, since they do not burn tobacco. The absence of smoke should avoid the creation of solid particulate matter and can lead to a significant reduction in the average levels of harmful chemicals compared to cigarettes. This should be substantiated on a product-by-product basis

Whilst addictive and not risk-free, if scientifically substantiated, smoke-free alternatives can be a much better alternative to continued smoking.

We all have choices

Choices are part of the fabric of everyday life - of course, some are more complex than others. The best choice a smoker can make is always to quit.

But there are many who don’t. These smokers should know that another choice exists for them too.

When backed by science and made to a high standard, smoke-free products are a better choice than continued smoking because they deliver nicotine without burning.

Burning produces smoke that contains many harmful chemicals, and these chemicals are what primarily cause smoking-related disease.

Giving adults —who would otherwise continue smoking—the option to use products that deliver nicotine without burning, could encourage them to make better decisions.

Learn more about how smoke-free alternatives can end smoking for good.

WHY IS PHILIP MORRIS INVESTEMENTS B.V. JORDAN CO. DOING THIS?

Smokers understand that smoking is harmful. But too few smokers understand that the main problem with cigarette smoking is the smoke itself. Where there is no burning, smoke is not produced. Therefore, whilst not risk-free, science-backed smoke-free alternatives have the potential to significantly reduce exposure to harmful chemicals compared to cigarettes.

Independent research carried out on behalf of PMI showed 43 percent of respondents are confused about what they've seen, read, or heard relating to smoke-free products. Yet 76 percent of smokers would consider switching to less-harmful alternatives if they had clarity on how they differ from cigarettes, and the science behind them.

Understanding the problem with burning— and the role of nicotine—are important considerations for adults who would otherwise continue smoking. It can help them to make informed decisions about whether to switch to a better alternative to cigarettes.

The site is operated for the purpose of providing general factual information about these issues, and to address misconceptions about smoke-free innovations. The site is not operated for advertising or marketing purposes. The material on this site should not be regarded as an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any product of PHILIP MORRIS INVESTEMENTS B.V. JORDAN CO. .