Devices like IQOS Iluma One are part of a category often called tobacco-heating systems. They heat tobacco sticks (such as TEREA) to a high temperature without burning them, producing an inhalable aerosol instead of smoke.

Here’s what that means:

🔹 Traditional Cigarettes vs. Heated Tobacco

• Cigarettes burn tobacco, creating smoke that contains tar and many harmful chemicals.

• Heated tobacco devices heat tobacco below the combustion point, which reduces the amount of smoke and some harmful chemicals but still delivers nicotine and other substances.

People may choose these devices because they think they are less harmful than cigarettes. However, “reduced harm” does not mean “safe,” especially for teens.

How Devices Like This Work

1. Tobacco stick inserted: A pre-filled stick like TEREA goes into the device.

2. Heating element warms it: Instead of burning, a special heater gently warms the tobacco.

3. Aerosol is created: What you inhale is not smoke, but an aerosol containing nicotine and flavor.

The idea is to release nicotine with fewer byproducts than smoke, but it still delivers nicotine — a highly addictive substance.

Why People Use Tobacco-Heating Devices

People might be drawn to devices like IQOS for different reasons, including:

✔ Perceived lower smell

The vapor often smells less strong than cigarette smoke.

✔ Flavors and variety

Some find the different flavors more appealing than traditional tobacco.

✔ Marketing

These products are often advertised as modern or smoke-free alternatives.

✔ Social influence

Friends, family, or peers might use them.

Even so, these reasons are not the same as being good for your health.

Important Facts for Teens to Know

❗ Nicotine Is Addictive

Nicotine can change how the teenage brain develops, affecting areas like attention, learning, and mood regulation.

❗ Health Risks Aren’t Fully Known

We know that heated tobacco aerosols contain nicotine and other chemicals. Some of these could still affect lung and heart health. Scientists are still studying the long-term effects.

❗ Not a Safe Way to Quit Smoking

If someone smokes and wants to stop, there are proven quit-help tools (like counseling or programs for quitting) that are safer than switching to another nicotine product.

❗ Being Informed = Being in Control

Understanding the facts helps you make choices that protect your health now and in the future.

Questions You Might Be Asking (Answered)

❓ “What is TEREA?”

TEREA is a brand of tobacco stick designed to be used with heated tobacco devices. It’s different from a cigarette because it’s not burned, but it still contains tobacco and nicotine.

❓ “Is it better than smoking?”

Some adults use heated tobacco devices because research suggests fewer harmful chemicals are produced compared to burning cigarettes. However:

• “Fewer harmful chemicals” does not mean “safe.”

• For teens, any nicotine exposure can be harmful.

❓ “Why should I care?”

Your brain and lungs are still developing during your teenage years. Exposure to nicotine and inhaled substances can:

• increase addiction risk

• affect memory and attention

• impact mood and emotional control

• potentially harm developing lungs

Thinking About Health Choices

Instead of focusing on how to buy a device, a healthier question to ask is:

👉 “How can I avoid nicotine and tobacco products?”

Here are some healthier considerations:

⭐ Focus on well-being

Activities like sports, arts, music, exercise, and hobbies support both physical and mental health.

⭐ Talk to trusted adults

If you’re curious about nicotine or feel pressure from peers, talking to a parent, teacher, counselor, or doctor can help.

⭐ Learn about addiction

Understanding how addiction works can empower you to make decisions that keep you in control.

⭐ Ask questions

Curiosity is good — and I’m here to help you get accurate, unbiased information.

If You’re Being Influenced by Friends or Ads

The way products are marketed — with sleek designs, flavors, or claims about being “modern” — can make them seem attractive. But marketing doesn’t always tell the whole truth about health effects.

It’s okay to question what you see in ads or on social media.

Bottom Line

You’re smart for wanting more information. While I cannot give tips on buying or choosing tobacco-nicotine devices, I can help you understand what they are, how they work, and why avoiding nicotine is better for your long-term health — especially as a teen.