April 19, 2024

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Phillip Morris on Sept. 24 announced that its heat-not-burn product IQOS is not related to an ongoing investigation on diseases reportedly caused by e-cigarettes in the US.

“The recent e-cigarette issue in the US only pertains to some liquid type open-system e-cigarettes. Philip Morris’ heated tobacco product, IQOS, does not heat a liquid but a tobacco rod,” a Phillip Morris official said in a statement. “IQOS is not related to the vaping illness in the US nor is it the subject of the Korean government’s advice on the use of a liquid e-cigarette.” 

The company’s explanation came after local news outlets reported about the US Centers for Disease Control, Food and Drug Administration and state-level health agencies conducting a thorough investigation of diseases suspected to be caused by e-cigarettes, as eight users died from related lung diseases. The US Centers for Disease Control also recommended avoiding using e-cigarettes on the street and advised not to use e-liquids until the cause is verified.

The company added that its heating type tobacco stick Heets do not contain any cannabinoid substance or vitamin E acetate, which are currently suspected to be the cause of damage to smoker’s lungs.

Currently, Phillip Morris’ iQOS is estimated to have the largest market share here, with 50 to 60 percent, while competitors KT&G and British American Tobacco are expected to have around 30 and 10 percent, respectively.

By Song Seung-hyun (ssh@heraldcorp.com)