Vaping has become the go-to alternative to smoking regular cigarettes, but this hobby’s reputation has been marred by many myths and misconceptions. While vaping is certainly less healthy than not vaping or smoking at all, people considering making the switch from traditional cigarettes to vapes should make this decision based on accurate information, not the misinformation that has been spread across much of the Internet, some by well-intentioned citizens.
In the hopes of providing clarity to those who want to make informed decisions about getting started with e-cigs, I’ve tackled some of the misleading myths you’re likely to encounter when researching vaping.
Myth 1: Vaping is as Bad as Smoking
One of the most common myths is that vaping is as bad as smoking cigarettes. While vaping isn’t risk-free, studies have shown it’s much less harmful than smoking. Cigarettes contain thousands of harmful chemicals, tar, and carbon monoxide which are known to cause serious health issues like cancer, heart disease, and respiratory problems. Vaping involves inhaling vaporized e-liquid which usually contains far fewer harmful substances.
Public Health England has said vaping is 95% less harmful than smoking. The Royal College of Physicians also agrees, saying the long-term health risks of vaping will be much lower than smoking.
Myth 2: Vaping Leads to Smoking
Another myth is that vaping is a gateway to smoking, especially for young people. While we need to stop non-smokers, especially teenagers, from starting to vape, evidence shows vaping is mostly used by current or former smokers to quit or reduce smoking. Surveys and studies have consistently shown that most vapers are people trying to quit smoking or cut down on cigarettes.
Also, countries with high adult vaping rates have seen big drops in smoking rates so vaping is more likely to replace smoking rather than lead to it.
Myth 3: E-liquids are Toxic
Many people think the e-liquids used in vaping are as toxic as the chemicals in cigarette smoke. This is not true. E-liquids contain four main ingredients: propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, flavorings, and nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive substance but it’s not the cause of smoking-related diseases. The other ingredients in e-liquids are generally recognized as safe for consumption and use in food and pharmaceuticals.
Also, e-liquids don’t contain many of the harmful substances found in tobacco smoke such as tar, carbon monoxide, and many carcinogens. So vaping is a much safer alternative to smoking.
Myth 4: Secondhand Vapor is Harmful
Another myth is that secondhand vapor is as harmful as secondhand smoke from cigarettes. While it’s true secondhand smoke from regular cigarettes is harmful, the same can’t be said for secondhand vapor. Studies have shown the levels of harmful chemicals in secondhand vapor are much lower than in secondhand smoke.
Public Health England and other health organizations have said the risks from secondhand vapor are minimal compared to secondhand smoke. This doesn’t mean secondhand vapor is risk-free but it’s much less dangerous than secondhand cigarette smoke.
Myth 5: Vaping Devices Can Explode Easily
There have been reports of vaping devices exploding or catching fire which has led to the belief that vaping devices are dangerous. While these incidents can and do happen, they are rare and often due to misuse or faulty equipment. Most modern vaping devices have safety features to prevent this from happening.
To reduce the risk of device malfunction users should follow the manufacturer’s instructions, use the correct batteries, don’t overcharge, and make sure their devices are in good working order. Using reputable devices and buying from trusted sources can also reduce the risk of accidents.
Myth 6: Flavored E-liquids are for Children
The many flavors of e-liquids have led to the belief that vaping is being marketed to children. While it’s true some flavors are more appealing to younger people, the main market for these products is adult smokers looking for a less harmful alternative to cigarettes. Many adult vapers find flavored e-liquids help them switch from smoking by making the experience more enjoyable than tobacco flavors.
In many regions it’s illegal to sell vaping products to minors and responsible vendors strictly enforce age verification to prevent underage access. Marketing vaping products to children is widely condemned within the industry and most manufacturers and retailers are helping adult smokers switch from cigarettes.
Vaping is often misunderstood due to all the myths around it. By busting these myths we can better understand the relative benefits and risks of vaping compared to smoking. Vaping is not risk-free but it’s a much safer option for current smokers. Educate the public about the facts of vaping and people can make more informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.
