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Like most things, vaping is no stranger to its fair share of misconceptions. Every average joe, whether a vaper or not, thinks they're an expert on the topic and will be more than happy to share their unsupported opinions with you. To help debunk the myths, here are 5 things everyone gets wrong about vaping.
E-cigarettes are harmful
We've all seen the various scaremongering headlines claiming e-cigarettes damage your lungs and are just as harmful as regular cigarettes. But despite what your tutting distant family members may say, vaping is harmless in comparison. There are even several studies disproving the negative claims made by the media. For example, Dr. Siegel invalidates a study claiming that e-cigs cause lung damage. Stating: 'Many vapers have experienced dramatic improvement in respiratory symptoms, which is not consistent with the argument that smoking may be no more hazardous than vaping in terms of respiratory effects.'
Need a little more evidence that vaping isn't harmful? Gov.uk states that e-cigarettes are around 95% less harmful than tobacco. That's one to quote to all the naysayers.
Vaping is a gateway to smoking
Another common vaping misconception, is that people vape before giving smoking a go. However, Action on Smoking and Health revealed data showing that less than one percent of non-smokers are taking up vaping, suggesting that vaping is solely an exit to smoking instead of a gateway. In fact, 71% of ex-smokers said that they used electronic cigarettes to help them stop smoking entirely. Which is twice as effective as Nicotine Replacement Therapy.
On top of that, Neil McKeganey at the Centre for Substance Use Research has published research that debunks the gateway argument. He concluded that ‘To the extent that electronic cigarette use remains distinguishable from smoking combustible cigarettes there is a possibility that vaping may be associated with further denormalization of smoking.’
Second hand vaping is harmful
One of the most common things people get wrong about vaping, is the dangers of passive vaping. While we all know that second hand smoking is harmful, this is often incorrectly applied to vaping as well. Surprisingly Lorillard Tobacco Company came out with a study to reveal that passive vaping isn't harmful. The 2014 study compared the levels of carcinogens in second hand vape to second hand smoke. And it actually concluded that 2nd hand vapor contains the same number of carcinogens as ambient air. So you don't have to feel too guilty vaping close to non-vapers.
Vaping products are not regulated
Despite popular beliefs, all vaping products are regulated. In particular, the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 cover all tobacco products. This therefore includes vaporizers, vape pens, hookah pens, electronic cigarettes and e-pipes. Although most manufacturers were doing this already, there is now a long list of regulations for vape shops to follow. So you can be sure you're vaping safe, without having to worry your e-liquids have been brewed in somebody's basement.
E-cigs are more addictive than regular cigs
While e-cigs can get you off regular cigs, there are some people who say they are equally as addictive, if not more. We can however confirm, this isn't true. There is no evidence to suggest that e-cigarettes are more addictive than regular cigarettes. In fact, it may not be the nicotine that makes cigarettes so addictive. Some argue that the combination of the other thousands of chemicals in cigarettes enhance the addiction to the nicotine. Obviously when it comes to vaping, you don't have to worry about additional dangerous chemicals.
What are the most common things you think people get wrong about vaping? Let us know in the comments!
