How IQOS smokeless cigarettes work Philip Morris has developed a new smokeless tobacco system that it claims eliminates 90 to 95 percent of toxic compounds in normal cigarettes. The battery case contains and charges the IQOS holder after each use. Case Holder inside case A “HeatStick” is inserted into the holder. An electronically powered blade within the holder pierces the HeatStick and heats up the tobacco inside to roughly 570 degrees. The HeatStick contains tobacco powder and a hollow area to cool down the air being inhaled. Because tobacco is heated instead of burned, there is no smoke and fewer carcinogens, the company says. HeatStick Holder Heated blade HeatStick Filter Source: Phillip Morris International Polyactic acid filter Hollow section Tobacco plug Traditional cigarette Filters Tobacco THE WASHINGTON POST