Wondering if vaping is safe for you and your family? Uncertain whether or not to indulge your loved ones’ addiction to tobacco-free nicotine delivery devices? Worried that if you read the reviews on various websites, you’ll scare yourself away from trying something new? Don’t be! We’re breaking down the myths and misconceptions surrounding vaping so that you can make an informed decision about this emerging technology and its potentially lifesaving benefits. Let’s dive in.
Is Vaping Safe?
For decades, researchers have been trying to find a cause of, and a cure for, lung cancer. Thanks to the efforts of countless scientists, we now know that there is no single cause of this terrible disease. Lung cancer is caused by a combination of environmental factors and genetics. What’s more, the incidence of the disease is on the rise, especially among people who have preexisting conditions such as asthma or emphysema. It is quite possible that vaping may very well prove to be the ultimate protection against lung cancer. Here’s why.
The Evidence
The evidence supporting the safety of vaping is mounting. Not only have several reputable organizations deemed vaporizers to be “generally safe,” as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states on its website, but they also acknowledge that there is no immediate risk of “serious health consequences” associated with the use of e-cigarettes. These findings are echoed by other health agencies internationally. For example, the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) states explicitly that “At this time [2018], there is no evidence that vaping poses a risk to public health.”
How Does It Work?
When you vape, you’re not actually burning any substances, as the name would suggest. Instead, you’re generating an aerosol — small particles that are inhaled into the lungs and retained for as long as you continue to draw on the device. The key word, in this case, is “generate.” When you vape, you’re not producing smoke, which contains cancer-causing compounds and toxic heavy metals. Your body does not become accustomed to these toxins the way it does to tobacco products. That’s why, when you stop vaping, you may experience immediate withdrawal symptoms, some of which may be severe. These include a runny nose, dry mouth, headache, and even depression. The levels of some of these toxic chemicals found in the lungs of heavy vape users have been shown to be much lower than those found in the lungs of cigarette smokers.
Where Does The Energy Come From?
When you vape, you don’t need to worry about running out of energy, as you would with a real cigarette. The amount of electricity required to generate a satisfying vape is relatively small, even when compared to the energy released by a large bottle of beer. In fact, according to USA Today, an expert analysis conducted in 2019 determined that the energy requirements of most advanced vaporizers are “comparable to those of a lightbulb or a hairdryer.” The report went on to say that “There is no need to worry about running out of juice” when you use a rechargeable device. The only thing that might run out is your imagination. When you vape, you’re not burning anything, so you have no risk of getting heart disease or oral cancer from the energy you consume. It’s all in the how you use it. The report also noted that “[p]eople who vape frequently say they no longer feel the need to go to a gas station to get a cigarette,” which brings us to our next point.
Who Might Benefit From Vaping?
If you’re reading this, I assume that you’re already convinced that vaping is a safe and effective way to consume nicotine. If you’re considering giving it a go, however, you may be wondering who might benefit the most from this new technology. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), six in 10 adults around the world smoke, and it’s still considered a “neglected public health issue.” If you or someone you know is among this group, then it’s time to consider the benefits of vaping. Here are some interesting facts about e-cigarettes and the people they might help: