A 12-year-old girl with asthma has suffered a collapsed lung and spent 4 days in an induced coma. Combined with reports of a vaping ban, the safety of vaping is under scrutiny.
Vaping, often advertised as a less harmful alternative to traditional smoking, has become extremely popular in recent years. E-cigarettes and vape pens offer a smoke-free way to consume nicotine. However, the question remains: Is vaping really a safer choice?
Vaping involves inhaling a vapour created by heating a liquid, known as e-liquid or vape juice, which typically contains nicotine, flavourings, and other chemicals. Unlike traditional cigarettes, vaping doesn’t involve burning tobacco, which produces harmful tar and several carcinogens. This has led to the belief that vaping is safer.
The Pros of Vaping
- Research suggests that vaping is indeed less harmful than smoking traditional cigarettes. A comprehensive review by Public Health England concluded that vaping is approximately 95% less harmful than smoking.
- Vaping doesn’t produce the harmful second-hand smoke that endangers non-smokers, making it a more considerate choice in shared spaces.
- Some smokers have successfully used vaping as a tool to quit smoking.
Cons of Vaping
- While less harmful than smoking, it’s not risk-free. Vaping can lead to lung and heart problems, as well as addiction to nicotine.
- Marketing and appealing flavours have attracted a new generation to vaping. This raises concerns about the long-term health impact on young users.
- Vaping is relatively new, and the long-term health effects are still uncertain. Research is ongoing, but it may be years before we fully understand the consequences.
- In some regions, e-cigarette products may not be well-regulated, leading to concerns about product safety and quality.
Public health experts generally agree that vaping is a better alternative for smokers who are unable to quit through other means. However, for non-smokers, especially young people, avoiding vaping is the safest choice.,
If you are struggling with addiction, no matter your age, there are lots of ways to get help. Talk to your GP if you’re considering vaping as an aid to quit smoking or visit stop smoking services.
