Vaping gets talked about a lot in the media in a negative way, which frustrates those who have studied vaping and what it does to someone’s body. In this article, we will talk about the pros, the cons, and why it’s been getting “bad press”.
Firstly, let’s talk about the pros of vaping.
PROS
1. It is preferable to cigarettes and less dangerous than smoking
It has been stated that tar and carbon monoxide, the two substances in tobacco smoke that are believed to be the most dangerous, are not produced by e-cigarettes. According to studies, switching from cigarettes to e-cigarettes has improved vascular health and lung function in those with asthma.
According to Public Health England, e-cigarettes are around 95% less dangerous than smoking.
2. It helps in stopping addiction.
Regular smokers frequently develop a physical dependence on nicotine, and when they try to stop, they may experience cravings and withdrawal symptoms. This is stated by Konstantinos Farsalinos, a research associate from the University of West Attica in Greece, and Professor Caitlin Notley, a senior lecturer in mental health at the Medical School of the University of East Anglia.
People have had success quitting cigarettes thanks to vaping. According to PHE, this has a success rate as high as 60% to 70% between 2019 and 2020. According to Cancer Research UK, vaping in conjunction with “behavioral support” from stop-smoke clinics has assisted people in quitting smoking.
3. No smoking around others (no secondhand smoking)
There is no evidence that vaping, unlike smoking, damages those around you, according to the United Kingdom National Health Service. The World Health Organisation cautions, however, that the aerosols produced by e-cigarettes increase the concentration of “particulate matter”—which includes nicotine and other potentially dangerous substances—in indoor environments.
Don’t be fooled by the pleasant flavors, warns Healthline, “secondhand vaping may seem like it’s no big deal.” To minimize any health hazards, they suggest vaping outside and away from high-risk individuals, such as those who are pregnant or have lung issues.
4. No bad odors
The aroma might linger in your clothes, home, and car unlike when you smoke a conventional cigarette. However, since vaping has a tasty scent, the smell won’t linger when using a vape. Even vapes with tobacco flavors don’t smell at all like burning tobacco.
5. Reduces your cigarette consumption
You have complete control over the amount of nicotine you vape. E-juice comes in a range of flavors, from those with no nicotine to those with very high nicotine concentrations. You can control the amount of nicotine in your vape or choose to use none at all.
6. Controlling vapor emission
You can regulate how much of what you exhale by using a vape, which is an important aspect of the experience. For ease and low vapor volume, some vapers choose smaller devices like pod vapes, while others prefer powerful mods for cloud chasing. Your vapor volume will change if you change the power output, airflow, and coil type, which also has an impact on flavor. Vaping can be done discreetly and covertly or as obtrusively as you wish, depending on how you do it.
7. You can choose your own flavors
If you know where to acquire the juices, you have a lot of flavor options. Fruit, desserts, drinks, mint & menthol, and tobacco are some of the most well-liked flavor groups.
8. Price ranges for all wallets
Vaping has a vast and crowded market now that it has existed for some time. There are numerous items available in all price ranges that are suitable for practically everyone.
9. No experience is needed
Vaping is incredibly user-friendly for beginners. You don’t even have to use them; knowing how to create your own coils or collecting vaping equipment can be a passion.
10. Accessibility and availability
Good vape items are now available in vape shops, convenience stores, gas stations, and even cigarette stores. For those who don’t want to go out or are too busy to get one, it is currently accessible online.
Now, let’s move on to the cons.
CONS
1. Harmful substances
Nicotine, the addictive ingredient present in cigarettes and cigars, as well as other pollutants, is often present in e-cigarettes despite the fact that they don’t contain tobacco.
2. Appeals to teens
In the UK, it is against the law to sell them to anybody under the age of 18, but according to the BBC, they are aware of the increased number of complaints regarding “illegal vapes.” According to a YouGov survey for the nonprofit Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), 7% of individuals aged 11 to 17 reported vaping in 2022, up from 4% in 2020.
Teenagers who vape are attracted to it by the vibrant and sweet-flavored liquids. According to ASH’s report, 21% of young vapers do so because they enjoy the flavor.
To safeguard the health of young people who have been vaping, the EU recommended a ban on tastes like bubblegum, strawberry, and popcorn in June 2022. There is no guarantee that the ban will take effect in the second half of 2023. Disposable vaping is another practice that can be outlawed; this is anticipated to happen in 2024. See what Lord Ping thinks of it.
3. May result in smoking
According to a review by the Australian National University published this year, non-smokers were three times more likely to start smoking if they used e-cigarettes than if they didn’t, despite the fact that the vape’s intended aim is to discourage the user from smoking more.
In a US study that was nationally representative, a similar conclusion was reached. Young people who vaped were four times more likely to continue smoking cigarettes than those who had never used e-cigarettes, according to a 2019 study by JAMA Network.
However, according to Cancer Research UK, there isn’t enough proof of a gateway impact in the UK.
4. There are too many choices
Due to the abundance of alternatives available in the vaping industry, it might be intimidating for someone who is new to vaping or who is thinking about switching from smoking a normal cigarette.
5. Learning more about vaping
If you’re new to vaping, you might acquire a product that needs additional research if you’re not prepared. The individual who wishes to vape could become frustrated and perplexed as a result, regret switching, and wish they had stuck with traditional smoking. Choose a straightforward product if this is your first time.
6. Misinformation about nicotine
It’s a common misconception that nicotine is a dangerous substance, but it’s actually simply a mild stimulant with effects akin to those of coffee. But because it’s associated with smoking, it gained a poor reputation. Although the medicine doesn’t cause cancer or heart disease, many individuals confuse its effects with those of smoking. Many people find that using nicotine has positive effects on their health.
Now that we’ve jotted down the pros and cons, let’s take a look at why the media gives vaping a bad image.
According to experts, vaping has a negative reputation due to negative press and possibly false information. They aim to spread the word that switching from smoking to vaping will lessen the harm that will be done to a person’s body. To help people make informed decisions regarding their health, they want the media to present the data in a straightforward manner. According to Professor Notely, “As long as they are supported, they can overcome their dependence on nicotine. Others, however, find it difficult or don’t want to stop, so public health doctors must encourage smokers to use nicotine in ways that reduce harm, through vaping or by using nicotine-replacement products.”
The negative news irritates medical professionals as well as the results of vaping studies. They merely want people to be aware that vaping can be managed and, when accompanied by accurate information, is not as harmful as conventional smoking.
At the end of the day, it’s still your choice if you want to start vaping or if you want to switch from the usual cigarette.
