With the increasing popularity of vaping there have been growing concerns about whether or not it’s safer than smoking tobacco products. Due to these concerns extensive research is being done. The results so far have been yes, vaping is safer than smoking tobacco cigarettes.
The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) just finished their research and put together their report “Nicotine without Smoke: Tobacco Harm Reduction.” In the 200 page review the RCP states the general health risks that may be caused by e-cigarettes are much less of a concern than those associated with tobacco cigarettes. The RCP further 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.” The research concluded that smoking vapor products had approximately a less than 5% health risk in comparison to tobacco cigarettes.
RCP states in the study that e-cigarettes have become a viable way for tobacco smokers to quit smoking or to at least be able to lessen their use of tobacco products. According to the report vaping is now being more widely used for smoking cessation than any marketed Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRT).
The hazards of tobacco cigarettes are well-known due to extensive research and media campaigns created by healthcare professionals. Nicotine in tobacco cigarettes is addictive. Tobacco and numerous other chemicals in cigarettes are known to be hazardous. WebMD states these compounds cause serious diseases including COPD, vascular disease, lung cancer, upper airway and esophageal cancer.
The e-liquids in vaping devices contain several ingredients in comparison to tobacco cigarettes that contain many toxic chemicals. The main ingredients in e-liquids are vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol and flavorings. All three main components are have been used safely in foods and household products for many years. Propylene Glycol (PG) is used in food colorings, cosmetics, medications, and as a flavor carrier in processed foods. Vegetable glycerin (VG) is derived from plant oils including coconut, palm, and soy. It’s used as a base in lotions, shampoos, and toothpastes.
E-liquids for vaping are tobacco-free, but some do contain nicotine. There are e-liquids that are nicotine-free. The levels vary, but the average amounts are 6mg to 24mg. The vape smoker chooses the amount of nicotine he wants in his smoke. For the tobacco cigarette smoker attempting to quit, being able to control his nicotine level is an advantage.
Unlike tobacco products vaping has no second-hand smoke risks. The “smoke” that is released is actually vapor caused by the e-liquid being heated. Tobacco cigarettes create smoke containing tobacco and other hazardous chemicals that are toxic to bystanders. The vapor from vaping is tobacco-free and has no known second-hand “smoke” hazards associated with it.
For more information about the safety of vaping come visit our Houston vape store. Our experienced employees will be able to answer all of your questions regarding vaping. They can also help you decide on the best vaping products to fit all your personal needs.
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
