It’s a common question with a simple answer. While not completely risk free, it’s 95% safer than smoking tobacco. 

Let’s take a closer look at what risks are associated with vaping and why it’s a safer alternative to smoking.

Vaping risk

Man smoking an electronic cigarette

Vaping is only for adult smokers who want to quit. It is difficult to determine the long-term risks of vaping since it is relatively new. Although it’s much less harmful than smoking, 

it is still likely to pose some risks. If you are using e-cigarettes to quit smoking, it is advisable to aim to stop vaping as well in the long run.

When using a vape as a tool to quit smoking, it is important to be aware of common side effects. 

The can include coughing, dry mouth, throat irritation, shortness of breath, and headaches. 

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is advised to seek guidance from a stop smoking adviser or a specialised vape retailer before making the decision to stop using your vape. 

Adjusting your vape kit or liquid may be a simple solution to managing these side effects, which should not deter you from using vaping as a means of quitting smoking.

The benefits of vaping

Close up on a man exhaling vapor from an electronic cigarette

Switching from smoking to vaping can have a profound impact on health. It’s considerably less harmful than smoking. Many reputable health organizations, such as the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID), support use of vaping products to quit smoking. In an independent review published in August 2015, they estimated that vaping is at least 95% less harmful than smoking.

Since then, numerous other independent e-cigarette reports have been released by various national bodies. All of which back up these findings that vaping is less harmful than smoking.

The NHS say: ‘In recent years, e-cigarettes have become a very popular stop smoking aid in the UK. Also known as vapes or e-cigs, they’re far less harmful than cigarettes and can help you quit smoking for good.’

Smoking is harmful because of the numerous chemicals in tobacco smoke like tar and carbon monoxide. Some of these are carcinogens, which cause cancer. Vaping products do not burn tobacco, so have either no or lower levels of these chemicals.

It’s important to note that vaping products do contain nicotine. However, on its own, it’s relatively harmless and is not the cause of harm from smoking. In fact, at low doses, nicotine can act as a stimulant. This increases heart rate and potentially improves attention, memory, and fine motor skills.

Vaping as a nicotine replacement therapy

Vaping products have emerged as the most preferred choice for those looking to kick the smoking habit. According to estimates, up to 50,700 people in USA have been able to quit smoking with their help.

The popularity of vaping products can be attributed to the fact that they simulate the experience of smoking a cigarette. Research shows that vaping products are more effective than other stop smoking aids. In fact, a trial conducted on English stop smoking services revealed that smokers using vaping products had a success rate almost twice that of those using other brands.