The popularity of disposable vapes is increasing each year, with a 31% rise in 2023 compared to 2022, according to a survey by the Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) organisation. This boost in people’s interest has sparked a global debate about the safety of vapes as an alternative to traditional smoking. Vaping has gained more attention as people recognise it as a less harmful option, particularly among those aiming to quit smoking. However, the health impacts of vaping, whether negative or positive, continue to be a subject of controversy. Since vaping is a relatively new concept, it requires further research to understand its long-term effects. In this blog, we delve into the various health aspects associated with vaping and its benefits over traditional smoking.
What is Vaping? Understanding Vaping
Vaping involves the use of electronic devices, commonly known as e-cigarettes or vape pens, to inhale an aerosol, often referred to as vapour. Unlike traditional cigarettes that burn tobacco, vaping devices heat a liquid (e-liquid) to create vapour.
E liquids typically contain a mixture of propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, flavourings, and varying nicotine levels. Plenty of e liquids are available without nicotine, serving those who wish to avoid its effects. The components of vaping devices include a battery, a heating element (vape coil), and a tank or cartridge that holds the e liquid.
Unlike traditional smoking, which involves the burning of tobacco leaves, vaping doesn’t involve combustion, so its vapours contain fewer toxic substances. For this reason, according to the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK, vaping is considered a less harmful alternative to cigarette smoking.
How Bad is Vaping for Your Health? Short-term Health Effects
Vaping can cause immediate short-term health effects in beginners such as throat irritation, coughing, and nausea when used excessively. These symptoms are often due to the inhalation of chemicals like diacetyl and propylene glycol present in e liquids. While these effects are generally mild and temporary, they can be more prominent in new users. Additionally, choosing e-liquids with the right ingredients can help avoid these health issues.
Comparison with Smoking
When compared to smoking, the short-term health effects of vaping are generally less severe. Smoking traditional cigarettes involves inhaling harmful chemicals, many of which are known carcinogens. Vaping, on the other hand, eliminates many of these harmful substances, although it is not completely risk-free.
Impact on Asthma and Respiratory Issues
For individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma, vaping can worsen their symptoms. Inhaling excess amounts of vapours from e-cigarettes can irritate the airways, leading to increased inflammation and respiratory distress. Chemicals in e-liquids, including nicotine, can trigger asthma attacks and worsen chronic respiratory conditions. Even though vaping is a safer alternative to traditional smoking, it still poses significant risks to those with asthma and other respiratory issues. Therefore, individuals with these conditions should avoid vaping and consult healthcare professionals for safer alternatives.
Does Vaping Stain Teeth? Is Vaping Bad for Your Gums
Unlike smoking, which is known to cause significant staining of teeth and gum problems, vaping generally has a lesser impact on oral health. However, the flavourings and chemicals in e-liquids can still contribute to gum inflammation and other oral issues.
People who vape and maintain good oral hygiene tend to experience no or minimal side effects on their teeth. Therefore, it’s crucial to practice good dental hygiene, regularly visit your dentist, and maintain oral hygiene to avoid potential issues from vaping.
To reduce the negative impacts of vaping on dental health, vapers should brush and floss twice a day, and if possible, after every vaping session. Additionally, using e liquids with fewer additives can also be beneficial.
What does Vaping do to Your Lungs?
The long-term impact of vaping on lung health is not yet fully understood. However, there are concerns about the inhalation of certain chemicals, such as diacetyl, which has been linked to lung disease. Excessive vaping combined with a poor diet and an inactive lifestyle can also cause inflammation and irritation in the lungs.
Vape liquids with high levels of diacetyl can lead to a lung disease called bronchiolitis obliterans (BO), commonly known as popcorn lung. Furthermore, some vaping liquids contain ingredients that may harm the lungs with long-term use, highlighting the need for further research. Therefore, choosing your e-liquids carefully is essential to protect your lung health. If you’re looking to quit smoking, responsible vaping remains the best and safest alternative.
Is Vaping Bad for Your Heart?
Nicotine, present in most e-liquids, is a known stimulant that can increase heart rate and blood pressure. Long-term nicotine use can contribute to cardiovascular problems, although the risk is generally lower compared to smoking. This is where the option of nicotine strength customisation comes into play.
Unlike regular cigarettes, which force you to consume a set nicotine level, vaping allows you to choose your nicotine strength, ranging from 0mg to 18mg, based on your needs. Research indicates that nicotine is an unhealthy and highly addictive substance, regardless of its form. However, because e-cigarettes contain fewer harmful chemicals than regular cigarettes, they may pose a lower risk to your heart health.
Is Vaping Bad for Your Skin?
Some individuals may be allergic to certain ingredients in vape juices, which can trigger allergic reactions. Additionally, nicotine can impair blood flow, potentially affecting skin health. High nicotine consumption may result in narrowed blood vessels, leading to an uneven skin complexion over time.
However, the impact on the skin is generally less severe compared to the damage caused by the toxins in cigarette smoke. To avoid any negative effects of vaping, it is important to vape in moderation, stay hydrated, eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and green vegetables, and maintain personalised skincare routines.
How Bad is Vaping for Your Health? Long-term Health Risks
Vaping is a relatively new concept, so understanding the long-term health risks of vaping is challenging. It took decades to establish the link between smoking and cancer, and similar long-term studies are needed for vaping. Current evidence suggests that while vaping is less harmful than smoking, it is not harm-free.
The long-term health impacts of vaping are not yet fully understood because vaping products have only been widely used for a relatively short period. While vaping is generally considered less harmful than smoking traditional cigarettes, largely because it does not involve combustion and the inhalation of many carcinogens found in tobacco smoke, it is not without its own set of dangers. The vapours produced by e-cigarettes can contain harmful substances, including heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, and other toxic chemicals.
In conclusion, while vaping may offer a less harmful alternative to smoking for those looking to quit, it is important to approach it with caution. More research is needed to fully understand the long-term health effects of vaping. In the meantime, users should be aware of the potential risks and make informed decisions about their vaping habits.
The Role of Nicotine
Nicotine is the primary addictive substance in both cigarettes and many e-liquids. It can have various health implications, including addiction and cardiovascular effects. However, vaping allows users to choose their nicotine strength, ranging from high levels to nicotine-free options.
Nicotine Strength Options
Vapers can select their preferred nicotine strength based on their needs:
- 0mg: For those who enjoy vaping but want to avoid nicotine, they can go for nicotine free vape juices.
- 3mg: Suitable for social vapers.
- 6mg: Ideal for light vapers.
- 12mg: For average vapers.
- 18mg: For heavy smokers transitioning to vaping.
Regulatory and Safety Measures
Regulations surrounding vaping products vary by country but generally aim to ensure consumer safety. These regulations include age restrictions, product standards, and labelling requirements. It is necessary to make sure that you purchase from reputable sources. To avoid dangerous or unsafe products, it is crucial to purchase vaping devices and e-liquids from reputable vape brands. Quality control is essential to ensure that products are free from harmful contaminants.
How to Dispose of Vapes?
Proper disposal of vaping devices and e-liquids is important for environmental safety. Many components can be recycled, while others should be disposed of according to local regulations.
How to dispose of disposable vapes
Step 1: Make sure the battery has been completely used
Before disposing of your vape, make sure the battery is fully drained. This reduces the risk of fire and ensures safer handling. Use the device until it no longer produces vapour.
Step 2: Remove the E Liquid Cartridge
If possible, remove the e liquid cartridge from the device. Some disposable vapes are designed as a single unit, making this step impractical. If you can remove the cartridge, dispose of it following local hazardous waste guidelines, as e liquids can contain nicotine and other harmful substances.
Step 3: Find a Local Recycling Program
Many local recycling centres accept electronic waste, including disposable vapes. Check with your local waste management facility to see if they accept e-waste and follow their guidelines for disposal. Collect your used vapes and visit a local recycling centre on a monthly or weekly basis.
Step 4: Battery Recycling
Since disposable vapes contain lithium-ion batteries, they should be disposed of through a battery recycling program. Many retailers and electronic stores offer battery recycling services.
Tips for Responsible Vape Disposal
Don’t Throw in Regular Trash: Avoid throwing disposable vapes in regular trash bins as they can end up in landfills, contributing to pollution and posing fire risks.
Educate Others: Spread awareness about the proper disposal methods for disposable vapes to help reduce environmental impact.
Consider long-lasting vapes: Switching to rechargeable vaping devices can significantly reduce waste. These devices can be refilled and used multiple times, minimising the need for frequent disposal.
What is the Legal Age to Vape?
In most countries, the legal age to purchase and use nicotine vaping products is 18. It is illegal to sell these products to minors or for adults to buy them on behalf of underage individuals.
Vaping is considered a safer alternative to traditional smoking for those looking to quit, but it is not entirely without risks. Understanding the short-term and long-term health effects, chemical exposure, and the role of nicotine is essential for making informed decisions. As research continues to evolve, it is crucial to stay updated with the latest findings and health guidelines. Always seek advice from healthcare professionals and rely on credible sources when considering vaping. Feel free to share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below.