While vaping may still be in a battle between legislative struggles and public opinion, there is no shortage of information regarding the industry. Unfortunately, not all that information is accurate. Here are five facts about vaping that you don’t know.
1. Not all e-cigs are made equal
The term e-cigarette has been used to describe any electronic alternative to analog cigarettes. However, there are three distinct variations which fall under the “e-cigarette” umbrella.
- Electronic cigarettes: These look very much like their analog equivalents. They don’t offer any flavors and utilize cartridges. These devices often use high concentrations of nicotine and produce little to no vapor. They are normally found in gas stations and convenience stores.
- APVs (Advanced Personal Vaporizers “vape pens”): Medium-sized devices that feature user-regulated power levels. They produce a moderate amount of vapor and contain medium concentrations of nicotine. Sticker prices are usually less than $100.
- Vape mods: Often elaborate and expensive, these devices are distinguished by their user-rebuildable atomizers, low nicotine concentrations, and high vapor outputs. One of these devices can easily cost over $100.
2. What’s in an e-liquid?
All e-liquids begin with a base of vegetable glycerin (typically certified organic). The VG is what helps create the vapor. Next is propylene glycol, the main ingredient in albuterol/asthma inhalers. Critics tend to confuse propylene glycol with diethylene glycol (an ingredient in anti-freeze) but they are different substances. PG is what allows the liquid to carry flavor. The final ingredient in most e-liquids are the flavorings. Always food grade, these flavorings can be natural or artificial.
E-liquids can also contain nicotine, although there a many that don’t. A typical analog cigarette carries an average of 12mg of nicotine. To contrast, e-liquids can be manufactured in a range of nicotine concentrations:
- 0mg – None
- 6mg – Extra light
- 12mg – Light
- 18mg – Regular
- 24mg – High
3. Frequent vapers usually opt for less nicotine
E-liquids with lower nicotine levels frequently outsell their higher concentration equivalents by a two-to-one margin. And every e-liquid manufacturer offers a zero-nicotine liquid.
One explanation for this is that nicotine affects the e-liquid flavor. So it would seem that vapers are willing to sacrifice nicotine content for a better-tasting experience.
4. Vaping doesn’t want (or need!) minors
Opponents of the vaping industry love to use the variety of e-liquid flavors as fuel for the argument that vape manufacturers are targeting minors. However, in 10 states it is illegal to sell to minors, and every reputable vape shop cards anyone looking 25 or younger.
Contrary to critics, the audience for vaping isn’t children; it’s current smokers. Vaping sprung about as a harm-reducing alternative to cigarette consumers and thanks to the legwork of Big Tobacco, there are still more than enough of those around.
5. Vapor is less harmful than cigarette smoke
There are numerous studies, with more being released each year, pointing towards the conclusion that vaping is less toxic than smoking analog cigarettes. In fact, several health organizations openly recognize the benefits of vaping.
American Council on Science and Health: “Tobacco firms already control 99 percent of the nicotine supply, and the firms could soon dominate the growing e-cigarette market. Unless constrained by the laws of the country concerned, tobacco firms could raise electronic cigarettes prices and their profit, decreasing the incentive for smokers to switch to safer products, and protecting firms’ tobacco cigarette sales revenue from competition.”
