In the realm of vaping, there is a minefield of myths and misunderstandings. At Grabit, we have heard it all -- from outrageous misinformation to reasonable concerns. It’s time to cut through the clutter and take an honest look at vaping and what it means for health. The purpose of this article is to examine the health implications of vaping, as both short-term and long-term factors, and allow you to draw your own conclusions about the risks of vaping.
What is Vaping?
Vaping is the act of inhaling vapor generated by an electronic device known as an e-cigarette or vape pen. These devices are now ubiquitous, but we must ask - what are we exactly vaping?
These devices heat a liquid that we refer to as e-liquid, or vape juice, that contains nicotine, flavoring, and other chemicals. No combustion, no smoke; just flavored vapors.
A vape device typically consists of the following three main components:
- Battery: Powering the electronic device
- Atomizer: Heats the e-liquid, producing vapour
- E-Liquid: Vapour containing nicotine, flavouring, and other chemicals
Vapor products have usually been marketed as a “safer alternative to smoking,” as it will not burn tobacco generating harmful tar and carcinogens.
Why do Vapers Vape?
At Grabit, we hear common reasons customers chose to use vapor products:
“I was sick of smelling like an ashtray,” says Mike, a long-time customer of Grabit.
“I wanted to quit smoking but couldn’t do it cold-turkey,” agrees Sarah, who after 2 years is now smoke-free.
“I like the variety of flavours,” adds Alex, a flavor fan.
These anecdotes cover the trends we see related to vaping; individuals seek smoke-free alternatives; interested in tapering substance utilization; or looking for something different.
Health Risks of Vaping
Is vaping safer than smoking? Simply put: nothing you inhale other than pure air is 100% safe.
Existing studies indicate that vaping can expose the user to fewer toxic chemicals compared to cigarette smoke. Dr. Lisa Chan, a pulmonologist we consulted, explained: "Vaping is not danger-free but appears to be associated with a lower degree of damage to lung tissue compared to smoking".
While vaping has only recently become popular many short-term health effects have been described by users and reported in studies:
- Throat and Mouth irritation: Most vapers describe throat and mouth irritation, cough, and dry mouth after vaping - a common occurrence, especially with new users and users who vape higher nicotine e-liquids.
- Dizziness and Nausea: Several users report dizziness and nausea, which appears to be more common for nicotine heavy products or using too frequently.
- Increase in Heart Rate: Nicotine from vaping has the same effect as smoking by increasing your heart rate and blood pressure.
While studies to determine long-term health effects are limited, vaping is not without health effects.
One of the main selling features of vaping was positioning vaping as a safer alternative to smoking. It is less harmful in terms of the number of chemicals when compared to the thousands of chemicals found in cigarette smoke. As pointed out by Dr. Chan, especially tar and carbon monoxide; however, "safer" certainly does not mean "safe".
- Fewer Harmful Chemicals: Vaping is associated with fewer harmful chemicals compared to smoking cigarettes, specifically tar and carcinogenic agents, making them less harmful than traditional smoking; not less harmful and /or completely safe.
- Addiction and behavior risk: Vaping still involves nicotine, which is associated with high addiction rates. Additionally, there is concern that vaping will serve as a gateway to smoking cigarettes for those identifying as youth.
Vaping vs. traditional smoking
For smokers contemplating a switch to vaping it can be both exhilarating and frightening at the same time. According to many the experience can be identified as initial adjustment followed by better lung function and all-around improved health.
We're not here to preach or make unrealistic promises. Our philosophy is simple.
Quality first. We test all of our products hard. We won't gamble on your safety.
Hearing facts overhype. We want to provide our customers with information.
To use responsibly. We hope consumers think mindfully about vaping and respect folks that don't vape.
Vaping, on its own, is not a miracle pathway to quitting smoking. However, for many, it is a potentially reduced-risk alternative to smoking cigarettes. As this industry develops, our understanding of the long-term use of vapes will too.
At Grabit, we are committed to inform ourselves regularly of the most productive, latest research and development. We see the value an adult might experience using vapes as a potential reduced-risk alternative or means of quitting traditional cigarette. However, we are committed to addressing the unknowns as well as the potentially harmful aspects of vaping.
Whether you are looking to quite soot infested cigarettes, reduce your enjoyment based on nicotine, or discover a new experience, we are here to support you with quality products and information along theu process.
Use wisely, vape wisely, and as always - prioritize your health.