A tobacco giant, Philip Morris International, has asked the FDA to approve a new tobacco product, which the company deems a "less risky" smoke-free cigarette, according to The Hill.
The new product, IQOS, is a rechargeable, electronic device that heats up tobacco, without burning it, to create a nicotine vapor. According to Philip Morris International, this method cuts cancer-causing chemicals by 90 to 95 percent.
Due to the tobacco industry's history of producing questionable science, health advocates remain skeptical and urge the FDA to replicate the company's toxicology tests prior to approval.
The FDA must approve the Premarket Tobacco Application for the IQOS product before it can be marketed or sold in the U.S. In addition, the company is asking the FDA to approve a Modified Risk Tobacco Product application to market the product as less risky.
If approved, IQOS will be sold by the parent company of Philip Morris USA, Altria Group.