When discussing the health concerns of vaping, a traditional cigarette is typically used as a marker to which a vape should be compared. As a result, the argument quickly becomes vape vs. smoking, and which is better for you. Since vapes are considered reduced-harm alternatives to conventional smoking, they’re often used by smokers and ex-smokers to cut down on or quit cigarettes.
Despite this, so few people are actually familiar with the relative risks of smoking vs. vape intake. In fact, individuals are being misled about the impacts of vaping, with some people believing that vapes act as a gateway to cigarettes. Despite this, evidence suggests that vaping is currently having the opposite effect and bringing us closer to a smoke-free existence. Vaping is one of the most effective measures when it comes to quitting smoking, even more so than nicotine chewing gums and patches.
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The Health Benefits of Vaping vs. Smoking
One of the key concerns that is driving smokers to make the leap from cigarettes to vapes is their health. Consequently, we’re here to provide you with an unclouded perspective of the health benefits of a vape vs smoking cigarettes.
Lung Health
First and foremost, lung health is perhaps the most common reason that people choose to quit smoking. We’re well aware that cigarettes severely damage the lungs, but can the same be said for vaping?
Years of research have shown that repetitive intake of burning tobacco has the potential to cause lung and oesophageal cancer, in addition to various other lung conditions. These include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. This is because cigarette smoke attacks the lungs due to the thousands of chemicals that they contain, 70 of which are known carcinogens. Furthermore, fine bits of paper, tobacco residue, and burned tobacco get lodged into the lungs and buried in the tissue.
What sets vaping apart from smoking is that vapes don’t produce known carcinogens to an extent that we should worry about. Similarly, vapour doesn’t contain solid particles, meaning lung conditions and cancer aren’t as likely to occur from vaping. Essentially, the greatest concerns about burning tobacco are predominantly absent from vaping; one of the reasons for this is down to the lack of combustion. Combustion in cigarettes is what leads to the presence of carbon monoxide and tar, and this poison needn’t be of concern with vaping.
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E-Liquid Health Concerns
While it’s true that vapes don’t produce excessive carcinogens, carbon monoxide, or tar, there is some uncertainty about e-liquid ingredients, such as flavourings, vegetable glycerine (VG), and propylene glycol (PG). Despite this, PG has been used in asthma inhalers since the 1950s, and VG is used in various products, including cough syrups. As a result, the NHS deems vaping to be at least 95% less harmful than smoking.
As far as flavours are concerned, these haven’t been very well studied; however, we can assume that some flavours are worse for lung wellbeing than others. Any vaper is surely familiar with the term “popcorn lung”, which is said to be caused by diketones, such as diacetyl, that are found in some e-liquids. With this being said, the TPD in 2016 resulted in the banning of diacetyl in any nicotine-containing e-liquid. Consequently, any reputable manufacturer, including Dispergo Vaping, won’t add this to any shortfill e-liquids.
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Oral Health
In addition to concerns about oesophageal, throat, and mouth cancers, smokers are also plagued with the worry of dental problems and gum disorders. Although the research surrounding vaping and oral health is limited, studies have shown that the bacterial profiles of vapers are more similar to non-smokers than cigarette smokers.
As with any battery-powered device, there is always an element of risk, which has been demonstrated by the issue of exploding vapes. Though extremely rare, there are cases in which vapers have experienced accidents whereby their vape has exploded. This issue is predominantly down to vape battery safety, and when using a regulated device with a quality battery, this needn’t be a concern.
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Cancer Concerns
Cancers develop as a result of cells being damaged, which causes them to grow and multiply uncontrollably. The most common cancer concern of smoking is lung cancer; however, smoking can lead to almost any type of cancer.
Although carcinogens have been found in vapes, the risk of cancer is extremely low. In fact, it’s considered to be on par with the risk posed by pharmaceutical products, such as nicotine patches and chewing gums.
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The Cost of Vaping vs. Smoking in the UK
As you can imagine, the vaping vs. smoking cost in the UK is drastically different, with a pack of 20 cigarettes costing around £12 to £14 on average and a vaping kit costing anywhere between £14.99 and £69.99. On top of this initial cost, you’ll also have to pay for e-liquids and vape maintenance; however, this is still significantly more affordable than smoking cigarettes.
Annually, the average smoker spends roughly £4,588 on cigarette products, whereas the typical vaper will only spend around £657 on vaping products. Of course, the amount you spend will depend on your intake but, regardless of this, vaping will always come out on top in terms of affordability. View the stats here.
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Smoking vs. Vaping: What’s the Verdict?
Though it can’t be said that vaping is “good for you”, the potential risks that it poses are extremely low, especially when compared to the hazards of smoking. In fact, vaping is believed to be at least 95% safer than smoking. On top of this, making the switch to vaping could save smokers up to £4,000 per year.
Therefore, the verdict is a no-brainer. In terms of vaping vs. smoking, vaping wins. With this being said, you should never start vaping if you don’t already smoke. Vaping is a huge harm reduction, but it’s not as safe as air!
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