The e-cigarette was launched for the first time in the Chinese market in 2003 by a local pharmacist, Hon Lik, who searched for a safer and cleaner method of enjoying nicotine. Europe and America soon followed suit and currently, 35 million people across the globe have opened up to vaping devices which are known by multiple names such as e-cigs, vape mods, e-hookas, etc. Amidst their roaring popularity, e-cigs have been subjected to immense controversy over whether they can be a rightfully safer alternative to ordinary cigarettes.
These were initially marketed as alternative tools meant for people who wished to stop smoking but slowly came under the radar of various health organizations who issued a warning against using these devices. While countries such as Lebanon, Brazil, and Vietnam have prohibited the use of e-cigarettes, others like the UK promote it as a viable weapon in their anti-tobacco crusades. There are countless “alternative vaping facts” that you might have stumbled across on the internet or heard from friends. Today we are going to address them and also enlighten you on the accurate ones by blurring the boundaries between facts and fiction.
- E-Cigs are less harmful
One of the commonest myths about e-cigs is that they are less detrimental when compared to traditional smoking. Though it can be difficult to compare them both, vaping has been linked with various health hazards like cell death, increased risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and lung failure. Vape aerosols might have fewer toxic compounds compared to regular cigs but they contain perilous additives like tobacco-specific nitrosamines, acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, heavy metals like tin and nickel, and nicotine. Some of the symptoms of the different conditions caused by vaping are chest pains, elevated diastolic blood pressure, elevated heart rate, flu, shortness of breath, and cough.
There is also a chance of incurring brain damage from consuming the highly-concentrated nicotine e-juices. This is why it is advisable to understand the long-term effects of vaping and choose nicotine-free vape juices for being safe than sorry. Vaping is especially dangerous to the young population as its nicotine content can create memory problems, harm the developing brain, and increase depression. Young people who vape are more than four times more likely to take up cigarette smoking within a year. Some other short-term problems associated with vaping are nosebleeds, sinus infections, wheezing, and coughing.
- It’s just water
If you think that you are just inhaling water vapor, then you are completely mistaken. It’s aerosol but you won’t see that in advertising for vape cigarettes as aerosol attracts a lot of negative sentiments. Vapor forms when a liquid changes into a gas. Though the concept of aerosol is similar, it carries tiny particles suspended in the air. A chemical called propylene glycol is released from a vape cigarette which goes down into our mouth through the upper airway to the back of our throat, esophagus, and finally our lungs. 99% of vape products sold in U.S. convenience stores contain nicotine and the chemicals used to create vape flavorings might damage our lungs and immune system.
- Vaping results in ‘Popcorn lung’
Bronchiolitis obliterans is a medical condition commonly referred to as popcorn lung that was initially observed in people working in the popcorn industry. However, no evidence has been found linking e-cigs to this condition. People still like to believe in this myth because of the misconception as some vape juice flavorings contain a compound called diacetyl which is believed to cause bronchiolitis obliterans when consumed at high concentrations. But in reality, the concentration of this compound in e-juice flavorings is substantially lower than in ordinary cigarettes. Authorities like the UK government have enforced a complete ban on using diacetyl in e-cigs.
- All Vape juices contain nicotine
While most people blame nicotine for all tobacco-related health problems, research shows that nicotine holds the minimal risk to a person’s health. It is imperative to note here that nicotine isn’t a verified carcinogen but an addictive reagent causing addiction to cigarettes. The other chemicals found in cigarettes like carbon II oxide or tar are more harmful to human anatomy. Vapers can even control the nicotine level in the vape juice according to their tastes.
- Vaping can help quit smoking
In all vaping marketing campaigns, smoking was demonized with the vaping tools regarded as the perfect solution to help quit smoking. But in reality, the nicotine concentration in our body increases when we transition from smoking to vaping. Being a comparatively new practice, adequate evidence has not yet been achieved that can help substantiate the fact that vaping can help quit smoking. Rather, there is evidence suggesting that e-cigs significantly increase smokers’ urge and desire to smoke tobacco cigarettes. Often former smokers complain of relapse or return to smoking on using e-cigs. This is why it is advisable to consult a medical expert who can guide you toward the best route.
- Vaping products aren’t controlled
Vaping products have to pass the scrutiny of relevant authorities before being introduced to consumers. Licensing agencies like the Tobacco Products Directive are levied with the task of regulating all e-juices and vaping devices in areas like bottle sizes, nicotine levels, and communication of products to users. The safety and credibility of the ingredients are ascertained by a health service executive to assess the risk involved. These regulations prevent products deviating from the standards from entering the market. Under the European Union (EU) legislation, the use of thickening reagent vitamin E acetate is abolished in Ireland.
- Vaping products only cater to the young crowd
Both advertising agencies and relevant authorities ensure that the products are meant only for adults. Some websites with vaping information ask visitors to specify their age before displaying the content. All these restrictions aim at protecting the young generation and making them understand that vaping is meant only for adults.
- Global vaping agencies are boycotting vaping
Reputable health organizations are opening up to the prospects of vaping as a less harmful practice than smoking. UK health bodies like Cancer Research UK, ASH UK, and Public Health England have been recommending vaping as a viable substitute for smoking. The New Zealand government has created a dedicated site called Vaping Facts to teach people who want to stop smoking by providing them with factual information.
- Passive vaping harms bystanders
Passive smoking is harmful to everyone’s health and that’s why government bodies around the world have levied laws preventing smoking in enclosed public places like airports, stadiums, and workplaces. However, these laws don’t apply to vaping and institutions can establish laws regarding the same. An e-liquid contains PG or VG alongside flavoring and the PG-VG ratio in e-liquids varies widely. E-cigs don’t emit side-streams into the atmosphere, unlike ordinary cigarettes. To date, no single piece of evidence has been found indicating that passive vaping exposes bystanders to potential health risks. People suffering from underlying respiratory conditions like asthma might be sensitive to irritants like vapor.
- Quitting vaping is easier than smokingBottom of Form
Compared to smoking cigarettes, vaping can deliver higher levels of nicotine at a faster rate. Thus, consuming nicotine in e-cigs causes higher addiction than smoking ordinary cigarettes. Vapers who are trying to quit often complain of withdrawal symptoms like smokers.
- Vaping is cheap
If you use disposable vapes, then this shall cost between $8 to $12 per cartridge plus some dollars for the e-liquid and the battery. This will cost you approximately $1400 in a year and the amount is equivalent to taking a trip to Disneyland. If you are a non-smoker thinking of starting vaping, then you should think twice about the results it will have on draining your wallet.
- E-Juice flavors try to attract kids
This is a false allegation based on facts that there are some flavorings such as cupcakes and bubblegum which are adored by kids. However, the sweet stuff is also a favorite of adults. Studies have revealed that ex-smokers rely on fruity and sweet flavors to distance themselves from the strong aroma of tobacco.
- Vaping can improve our skin texture
Vaping is unlikely to improve your skin. The sudden change in skin quality happens as people quit smoking and are buffered from the detrimental effects of tobacco. Better blood circulation and oxygen uptake and decreased levels of carbon monoxide is the reason behind glowing skin.
Conclusion
The underlying health risks associated with vaping have triggered an ongoing debate for years now. But as advocates of responsible vaping, we must clear out the misconceptions plaguing the vaping industry. By the end of today’s discussion, you will understand that there isn’t a single piece of evidence suggesting that vaping is safe. Though it appears safer compared to cigarettes, it comes with a separate share of concerns. While smokers trying to make the transition should consider safer options like tobacco cessation coaches and nicotine replacement medications, non-smokers should think twice before indulging in vaping.
