Vaping myths: Medical experts answer your questions on vaping

Vaping has become one of the fastest growing trends in recent years. E-cigarettes, vape pens, and vaping are all known as the same thing. Vaping was originally developed as a tool to help people quit smoking.

However, vaping and the act itself, have developed many myths and misconceptions in recent years. Most of these incorrect myths have been driven by the media to produce headlines and contain very little scientific evidence.

This article will dispel some of the most common health myths associated with vaping.

Is vaping just as harmful as smoking cigarettes?

This is one of the most common myths about vaping.

While vaping and smoking both involve inhaling chemicals into the lungs, the chemicals that enter the body are different.

Cigarettes contain thousands of harmful chemicals such as tar, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde. These toxins are extremely poisonous and are known to cause lung cancer, heart disease, and lung disease.

In contrast, e-cigarettes produce vapour that contains nicotine, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, and flavourings.

Nicotine is an addictive substance derived from the tobacco plant. However, there are no side effects of nicotine or vaping, and it does not cause cancer or any other long-term health risks.

Is second-hand vapour from e-cigarettes as harmful as second-hand smoke from cigarettes?

Second-hand smoke from cigarettes is a serious health hazard, but second-hand vapour from e-cigarettes is not.

Scientific studies have found that second-hand vapour contains chemicals. The concentration of these chemicals is much lower than in second-hand smoke.

E-cigarette vapour quickly dissipates, unlike cigarette smoke. Cigarette smoke lingers in the air for a long time, which can cause asthma attacks and shortness of breath for those around.

Can vapes explode and cause serious injury?

While it is true that there have been reports of e-cigarettes exploding, these incidents are very rare.

Most reported explosions have been caused by improper use, such as using the wrong charger, modifying the device or allowing the device to overheat.

Vapes are safe devices when used properly and users follow manufacturer instructions.

Are e-cigarettes a gateway to smoking for young people?

There is no evidence to support the claim that e-cigarettes are a gateway to smoking.

In fact, many studies have found that e-cigarettes are an effective tool for smokers who want to quit smoking traditional cigarettes.

Flavoured vapes are growing in popularity. However, there is no proof that vaping leads young people to smoke tobacco.

Are vapes just as addictive as traditional cigarettes?

While e-cigarettes do contain nicotine, there are not as addictive as traditional cigarettes and other tobacco products.

E-cigarettes contain smaller doses of nicotine which makes them less addictive. E-cigarettes are a fantastic tool that are proven to help smokers quit cigarettes and reduce devastating health effects caused by tobacco.

Are e-cigarettes regulated by the government?

Disposable vapes are regulated by the government, although regulations vary by country.

Recently, UK government announced plans to tackle illegal vapes by working alongside enforcement squads led by Trading Standards that will test purchases in local stores and vape shops across the UK.

New measures will provide product guidance to build regulatory compliance. Enforcement officers will be given the power to remove illegal products from shops and borders.

A new scheme to tackle smoking rates has also been introduced. The UK will distribute 1,000,000 vape kits to smokers as part of a measure to reduce the number of smokers.

Vapes are more harmful than smoking traditional cigarettes

This myth is not supported by scientific evidence.

According to a study conducted by Public Health England, e-cigarettes are significantly less harmful than smoking tobacco.

This is because e-cigarettes do not produce the harmful tar and carbon monoxide that are present in tobacco smoke.

Does vaping cause popcorn lung?

Popcorn lung, also known as bronchiolitis obliterans, is a serious lung disease. It is caused by exposure to diacetyl, a chemical used in unregulated vape flavourings. This disease was first discovered in the USA after workers inhaled diacetyl at a microwave popcorn plant.

Diacetyl has been found in some e-cigarettes not regulated by authorities. However, most vape producers who follow rules have removed it from their flavourings.

The risk of developing popcorn lung from e-cigarettes is extremely low.

Get support to quit smoking

There are many myths and misconceptions about vaping. However, the reality is that e-cigarettes are safer than traditional cigarettes. They also help smokers reduce their nicotine dependence.

However, it is important to use e-cigarettes properly and according to manufacturer instructions to avoid any potential risks.

E-cigarettes are a great asset for smokers attempting to quit. They can be a useful tool to help reach their goal.

You are three times more likely to quit smoking by combining expert support and nicotine replacement products such as vapes, patches, sprays or lozenges.

Ring the Stop Smoking London helpline. Our trained advisers can help you take steps to finding the right NRT for you and can provide more information on vaping, including which vaping device is be best suited to you.