TEREA is not safe and not risk-free. TEREA sticks contain tobacco and nicotine, and nicotine is addictive. TEREA heats tobacco instead of burning it, so it produces an aerosol rather than smoke, but no health authority has declared heated tobacco safe. The best choice for health is not to use tobacco at all. TEREA is meant only for adults aged 18 and over who already smoke and would otherwise keep smoking.
What regulators have said about heated tobacco
- US FDA, July 2020: the FDA allowed Philip Morris International to market the older IQOS system with “reduced exposure” claims as a Modified Risk Tobacco Product. The FDA stated that this does not mean the product is safe or FDA approved.
- Scope: this decision covers older IQOS products and HEETS-type sticks in the US. They are not statements about TEREA in the UAE.
“Reduced exposure” means lower levels of some chemicals than cigarette smoke. It does not mean lower disease risk, and it does not mean safe.
Who should not use TEREA
- Anyone under 18. UAE law bans tobacco sales to minors.
- People who do not smoke or have quit.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
- People advised by a doctor to avoid nicotine, for example because of a heart condition.
Nicotine in TEREA
Every TEREA stick contains nicotine, because it contains tobacco. Nicotine is addictive. Menthol, fruit and Pearl capsule sticks change the taste, not the fact that the stick contains nicotine.
Physical safety with TEREA sticks
IQOS lists these warnings for TEREA sticks:
- Each stick has a metal heating element with sharp edges. Do not take a stick apart.
- A swallowed stick can cause serious internal injury. Get medical help at once if a child or pet swallows one.
- Keep packs and used sticks out of reach of children and pets.
- Use TEREA only in compatible devices. A TEREA stick can damage blade devices such as IQOS 3 DUO.
Our guide on TEREA stick parts and ingredients explains the metal element.
Heated tobacco compared with cigarettes
The difference is in how tobacco is used: TEREA heats it, a cigarette burns it. That changes what you inhale and removes ash and smoke. It does not remove nicotine. Our TEREA vs cigarettes comparison covers the practical differences.
Want to quit?
Quitting tobacco completely is better for your health than switching. In the UAE, you can speak to your doctor or a government health centre about quitting support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TEREA healthier than cigarettes?
We cannot say that. TEREA heats tobacco instead of burning it, but no authority has declared it safe or healthy. It still contains nicotine.
Does TEREA contain nicotine?
Yes. All TEREA sticks contain nicotine.
Is TEREA approved by the FDA?
No. The FDA’s 2020 decision allowed reduced-exposure claims for the older IQOS system and stated that this is not FDA approval.
Is second-hand TEREA aerosol harmless?
Do not assume so. Do not use TEREA around children, pregnant women or non-smokers, and follow UAE rules on indoor and car use.
Can non-smokers try TEREA?
No. TEREA is only for adult smokers. Non-smokers should not start using any tobacco product.
Ready to try a flavour?
TEREA sticks in five editions, delivered in 2 hours.
