Smoke
Smoke contains solid and liquid particles which are produced when organic materials, for example, wood, tobacco, or paper, are burned.
When a cigarette is lit, smoke is produced by the burning (combustion) of tobacco. Cigarette smoke contains high levels of harmful or potentially harmful chemicals, which are the main cause of smoking-related diseases.
Although some people may confuse them with cigarettes, e-cigarettes (also known as vapes or e-vapor products) and heated tobacco products are fundamentally different from cigarettes, and do not produce smoke. That’s because—rather than burning tobacco—these smoke-free alternatives instead release a vapor. This vapor does not contain solid particles and has much lower levels of harmful chemicals compared to cigarette smoke.
The difference between cigarette smoke and smoke-free product vapor
You may have noticed a white cloud that comes from using a smoke-free alternative.
But is it the same as smoke?
The Simple Answer?
The simple answer is no.
Cigarette smoke and smoke-free product vapor are fundamentally different.
Let's take a look at what sets them apart.
Cigarette Smoke
Cigarette smoke is produced when tobacco is burned.
The smoke contains solid particles.
It also has high levels of harmful chemicals, many of which are considered the main cause of smoking related diseases.
Vapor
On the other hand, vapor is produced when a user activates a smoke free product like an e-cigarette or a heated tobacco device, by inhaling.
It's not smoke because there is no burning involved and it doesn't contain solid particles.
It should contain much lower levels of harmful chemicals compared to cigarette smoke.
Why does this matter?
Because recognizing the fundamental difference between cigarettes and smoke-free alternatives would be a significant step toward a future without cigarettes.
To find out more visit pmi.com/SmokeVsVapor.
Read more about alternatives to smoking
