As vaping becomes mainstream the debate continues about whether it’s safer than smoking traditional cigarettes. Current research is saying yes, vaping is a safer alternative to tobacco products.
Recently a study was done by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), “Nicotine without Smoke: Tobacco Harm Reduction.” The 200 page report concluded the overall health risks associated with e-cigarettes was much lower than the average tobacco cigarette. The RCP states, “Some harm from sustained exposure to low levels of toxins over many years may yet emerge, but the magnitude of these risk relative to those of sustained tobacco smoking is likely to be small.” In the study it was estimated that smoking vapor products posed a less than 5% risk compared to tobacco cigarettes.
The RCP also states in the report vaping has become a valuable tool for traditional tobacco smokers to quit smoking altogether or reduce their use of tobacco products. The study found vaping has become more popular for smoking cessation than marketed Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRT).
The health risks of tobacco cigarettes is well-known due to research and wide-spread media campaigns by the healthcare industry. Nicotine in tobacco cigarettes is addictive. Tobacco itself and many of the other chemicals found in cigarettes are known carcinogens. According to WebMD these chemicals have been shown to cause health issues including lung cancer, vascular diseases, COPD, upper airway and esophageal cancer, and a host of other diseases.
Unlike traditional cigarettes with their hundreds of potentially carcinogenic ingredients, there are only a few ingredients found in the e-liquids used in vaping products. These include propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and flavorings. All three main ingredients have been safely used in common household products and consumable foods for many years. Propylene Glycol is often used as a flavor carrier in processed foods, an ingredient in food coloring, and an additive in cosmetics and medications. Vegetable glycerin is a compound originating from plant oils such as palm, soy, and coconut. It’s often found in lotions, shampoos, and toothpastes.
Also in favor of e-cigarettes and other vape products is they contain no tobacco, although some e-liquids do contain nicotine. The level varies but the approximate range is from 6mg to 24mg. There are some E-liquids that are nicotine-free. The vape smoker chooses the level he wants. For the traditional cigarette smoker trying to cut-down or quit, this an ideal way to reduce the level of nicotine slowly and at his own pace.
Another factor in favor of e-cigarettes and vaping, unlike tobacco cigarettes, there is no second-hand smoke issues. What appears as smoke is actually a vapor caused by the e-liquid being heated inside the device. The smoke from traditional cigarettes contains tobacco and other chemicals that are hazardous to anyone breathing it in. Vapor from e-cigarettes and other vaping devices potentially contain no tobacco or other dangerous by-products.
Evidence from current research is strongly suggesting vaping is a viable alternative to tobacco cigarettes. Many of the reports are concluding that vaping is safer than traditional tobacco products. If you would like to try this safer option then come out to any of the Vapor Galleria locations and switch to the best alternative to cigarettes there is - electronic cigarettes.
References:
- Royal College of Physicians. “Nicotine Without Smoke: Tobacco Harm Reduction”
26 June 2013 https://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/projects/outputs/nicotine-without-smoke-tobacco-harm-reduction-0
- WebMD. “E-cigarettes 101”
27 June 2016
http://www.webmd.com/smoking-cessation/features/electronic-cigarettes
