Both smoking and vaping carry risks and side effects. While the full long-term health impacts of e-cigarettes are still unclear, they are not considered a safe substitute for smoking
Is vaping better than smoking?
Smoking and vaping are both harmful to health. Evidence suggests smoking is worse than vaping, yet vaping is not risk-free. Secondhand smoke has over 7,000 chemicals, many toxic and about 70 carcinogenic. Although vaping liquids have fewer toxins than cigarettes, the American Heart Association confirms they still pose health risks
Nicotine : E-cigarettes may deliver high levels of nicotine, which is known to hinder brain development in fetuses, children, and teens
Dangerous chemicals : The liquid in e-cigarettes is harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or contacted with skin, and exposes users to toxins like diacetyl, carcinogens, heavy metals, and VOCs when vaped
Quitting smoking and vaping
UK health services view vaping as a useful aid to quit smoking. In 2021, the FDA approved three e-cigarette products for their potential quitting benefits. However, the CDC reports that evidence supporting vaping as a cessation aid is inadequate
Is vaping dangerous?
Though vaping may eliminate some of the threats of inhaling smoke, it still carries risks and health concerns
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine presented 47 conclusions about vaping, most of which were negative. The few positive aspects suggest that eliminating combustible cigarettes reduces exposure to smoke-related carcinogens
However, strong evidence overwhelmingly supports the negative aspects of vaping
- developing a dependency on vaping
- intentionally or unintentionally drinking the fluid, which can be toxic and fatal
- devices, particularly those that are modified or of poor quality, have a risk of exploding, which can cause burns or projectiles
- vaping devices can release toxins in addition to nicotine
However, the long-term effects of vaping are largely unknown due to its recent introduction and limited research over time
Types
There are various types of vaping devices, chosen based on personal preference and distinct differences. The Center on Addictions identifies three categories: first, second, and third generation devices
First generation vaping devices are
minis
electronic cigarettes
cig-a-likes
These devices resemble cigarettes and are available in disposable and rechargeable forms, typically being the most affordable vaping option
Second generation vaping devices are
mid-sized e-hookah
vape pens
Second generation vaping devices, resembling pens more than cigarettes, come in both disposable and rechargeable types with refillable e-liquid canisters available in various flavors.
Third generation contains several types of vaping device, including
Mechanical Modified Nicotine Delivery Systems (MODs)
vape MODs or personal vaporizer
electronic hookah
JUUL (resembles a flash drive)
The third generation of devices typically:
have a longer battery life
Options for different flavored liquids
Modification options
Some e-liquid refills offer different nicotine levels, and others are nicotine-free. Third generation devices can be modified to mix additional substances into the e-liquid. These liquids vary in flavor, from traditional cigarette taste to minty or fruity options
What is e-liquid?
E-liquid, also known as e-juice or vape juice, is the fluid vaporized in vape devices. The side effects of vaping can vary based on the e-liquid type used
E-liquids typically consist of water, vegetable glycerine, and propylene glycol as the base, with added flavorings or additives for specific tastes. Many ingredients are FDA-approved for food use under the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status. However, the safety of these food-grade ingredients when vaporized remains under-researched
The CDC warns that vape aerosol may contain harmful substances beyond nicotine
The effects of vaping
Vaping without nicotine avoids nicotine dependence and related side effects
However, nicotine-free vaping can still lead to other side effects, as listed below
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