Bharat SainiLast Updated on February 27, 2024 by Bharat Saini
Vaping has been the subject of controversy for years compared to traditional tobacco. In this article, we will help you resolve some doubts on the subject and help you decide if you should Transition from smoking to vaping?
First of all, it is important to highlight that vaping does not contain tobacco. Instead of combustion, vaporization occurs, which means that the degree of heat is much lower than that of burning tobacco. The vaporizer does not emit tobacco carcinogens, so vaping is considered to be 95% less harmful than traditional tobacco.
In this article, we will discuss the differences between vaping and smoking, as well as their benefits and risks.
What is vaping?
Vaping is the practice of inhaling vapor produced by an electronic device known as a vaporizer or electronic cigarette. Vaporizers are designed to heat liquids containing glycerin, propylene glycol, flavorings and optionally, nicotine, producing a vapor that is inhaled by the user.
Is vaping the same as smoking? Although the Ministry of Health has launched a campaign in which it puts electronic cigarettes and tobacco in the same bag , the truth is that they have nothing to do with each other.
The Government illustrates with images of young people inhaling vape smoke the slogan “tobacco binds and kills you in all its forms.” The curious thing about the matter is that these devices have no resemblance to conventional tobacco, which kills 52,000 people every year in Spain alone.
What harmful substances do traditional cigarettes have?
Tobacco contains numerous substances harmful to health, among which are:
Nicotine: It is the psychoactive substance present in tobacco that creates addiction and increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Tar: It is a sticky, dark substance found in tobacco smoke and can cause lung cancer and other types of cancer.
Carbon monoxide: It is a toxic gas produced during combustion, found in tobacco smoke and can cause cardiovascular diseases.
Ammonia: This is a chemical used to increase the effect of nicotine on the brain and can cause irritation to the throat and lungs.
Acetone: This is a solvent used to process tobacco and can cause kidney and liver damage.
These are just some of the harmful substances present in tobacco. Smoking is an extremely harmful habit for health and can cause a wide variety of diseases, including cancer, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, among others. The best thing you can do for your health is to quit smoking and avoid exposure to tobacco smoke.
Why vaping is not smoking: four differences
The ministry’s campaign and misinformation about vaping is causing a lot of confusion, and the best way to get clear is to know what an e-cigarette really is and what the real differences are between vaping and smoking .
1) A vape is not a cigarette
Vapers are conventional cigarette-shaped devices that may or may not release nicotine by heating a liquid inside. There are liquids with different aromas, as well as various levels of nicotine concentration; There are even some that contain absolutely no nicotine, which has helped many people quit smoking.
The liquid in the vapes is heated up to 350 degrees by a battery that is charged with a USB port. The contents are inhaled, which releases steam – and never smoke – when exhaled.
2) Vapes are tobacco-free
Tobacco is a plant and contains nicotine ; Vaping, on the other hand, may or may not have nicotine, but never contains tobacco. In fact, it is most often a way out of tobacco dependence, which kills eight million people in the world every year.
3) Tobacco smoke is carcinogenic, vapor is not
A vaper is not a smoker and smoking a cigarette is something totally different from vaping. In fact, medical experts have stated that nicotine is an addictive substance, but that it is not the original cause of tobacco-related diseases, such as lung or throat cancer .
Tobacco smoke contains more than 700 chemicals , nicotine being one of them. Around one hundred of these chemicals are classified by health authorities as causes of potential disease.
These tobacco chemicals are not present in vape capsules, but elements such as water, vegetable glycerin (used in the food industry), nicotine acetate and flavorings. All these ingredients have been supervised by the Ministry of Health .
4) Vaping is 95% healthier than smoking
After analyzing a decade of scientific studies on electronic cigarettes, the British Ministry of Health and the Royal College of Physicians of the United Kingdom have determined that vaping is 95% less harmful than smoking . That is to say, the possible damage that electronic cigarettes can do would be, at most, 5% of that caused by tobacco with its hundreds of carcinogenic substances.
Risks of vaping
- Although e-cigarette vapor contains fewer toxic chemicals than tobacco smoke , it can still contain harmful substances.
- The long-term effects of vaping are still unclear, as it is a relatively new practice.
- Vaping liquids containing nicotine can be addictive. Due to Spanish regulations, the vast majority of liquids available do not contain nicotine and it is the user’s choice to add it or not.
- Vaping devices can be dangerous if not used correctly. This point may apply to unregulated mechanical devices.
Benefits of quitting smoking with vaping
- Improves overall health.
- Reduces the risk of heart and lung diseases.
- Improves the sense of smell and taste.
- Saving money in the long term.
Frequent questions
Is vaping less addictive than smoking?
Vaping may be less addictive than smoking tobacco, especially if vaping liquids that do not contain nicotine are used.
Can non-smokers vape?
It is not recommended for non-smokers to vape. At our vape shop we always ask new customers if they are smokers. If the answer is that they want it for recreational use, we always try to persuade them not to use it. Our opinion is that the vaper should only be used as a smoking cessation tool.
Is it safe to vape during pregnancy?
Vaping is not recommended during pregnancy as it can negatively affect the health of the fetus.
Conclusion
In conclusion, although vaping is a relatively new alternative to smoking, it has significant benefits compared to tobacco use. Vaping is less harmful to health, does not produce a bad smell, and vaping liquids are available in a wide variety of flavors. However, there are also risks associated with vaping, especially if vaping liquids containing nicotine are used. Ultimately, the best option depends on the person and their individual needs. If you are interested in quitting smoking, it is important to speak with a professional to find the best option for you. Vaping vs. Smoking: What is the best option? The choice is yours.
