E-cigarettes or vapes have become popular among today’s masses. Their ease of use, convenience and flexibility of use have made them a go-to preference for many people. This even means that they are slowly replacing traditional cigarettes which undoubtedly cause serious health risks to people. However, there are still some E-Cig myths that have been floating around which are untrue. For instance, people often mistakenly believe that e-cigs are the same as cigarettes. Hence, in this article, we will bust some common myths about E-Cigs and set the narrative straight. We will also provide a brief overview of E-Cigarettes so that you understand what they are and how they work.
A Brief Overview of E-Cigarettes
As the name suggests, an E-Cigarette is an electronic device that acts like a cigarette. However, the difference is that E-Cigarettes or Vaping devices, as they are also called simulate smoking. They are designed in a way to deliver nicotine or other substances to users in the form of an aerosol. Sometimes, the nicotine may also be used in combination with other substances. They typically consist of a battery, an atomizer, and a cartridge or tank. This tank contains the e-liquid or e-juice. When a user inhales through the mouthpiece, the battery powers the atomizer. After that, it heats the e-liquid and turns it into an aerosol. Finally, the person will inhale it into the lungs.
The e-liquid usually contains nicotine extracted from tobacco, flavorings, and other chemicals. E-cigarettes come in various shapes and sizes, including cigalike, vape pens, and advanced personal vaporizers(mods). Unlike traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes do not produce tobacco smoke but rather an aerosol often referred to as vapor. This vapor is believed to be less harmful than tobacco smoke. This is because they contain fewer toxicants.
Busting Myths about E-Cigarettes
Now we will be busting some myths and misconceptions you may have been led to believe about E-Cigarettes. By understanding these and knowing the truth, you will be more aware and make better choices. Let us get started and debunk these false understandings about e-cigarettes.
Myth 1: Vaping is equal to the effects of smoking
Truth: Vaping offers a potentially safer alternative to traditional smoking. While both involve inhaling substances, vaping eliminates combustion. Now this alone significantly reduces the number of harmful chemicals produced. Numerous studies suggest that vaping is less harmful than smoking and can help smokers transition away from traditional tobacco products.
Myth 2: Vaping will only exacerbate your smoking tendencies
Truth: Vaping has been shown to help many smokers reduce or quit altogether. E-cigarettes provide smokers with a familiar hand-to-mouth action and nicotine delivery without the harmful effects of tobacco smoke. Many former smokers credit vaping for helping them break free from their smoking habit.
Myth 3: Nicotine is nothing different from tobacco
Truth: Nicotine is just one component of tobacco. While it is addictive, it is not the primary cause of smoking-related diseases. Moreover, with tobacco, the effects are far-reaching and dangerous and people are prone to getting cancer and lung-related conditions. Nicotine replacement therapies, including vaping, can help smokers satisfy their nicotine cravings without the harmful effects of tobacco smoke.
Myth 4: Vaping turns people's lungs into popcorn lungs
Truth: The term "popcorn lung" refers to a rare lung disease caused by inhaling certain chemicals, notably diacetyl, found in some e-liquids. However, reputable e-liquid manufacturers and many countries have banned the use of diacetyl. So, the risk of developing popcorn lung from vaping is extremely low. Vaping is generally considered to be much safer than smoking traditional cigarettes. Moreover, it was traditional cigarettes that used diacetyl and caused popcorn lungs.
Myth 5: Using a vape is similar to smoking 50 Cigarettes
Truth: This myth likely stems from a misunderstanding of nicotine content. While e-liquids may contain nicotine, the comparison to cigarettes can be misleading. Nicotine levels in e-liquids vary. Secondly, users have control over the nicotine concentration they choose. Moreover, vaping involves inhaling vapor rather than smoke. So this is reducing the exposure to harmful chemicals found in cigarettes. Comparing vaping to smoking a specific number of cigarettes oversimplifies the complexities of nicotine delivery and the relative risks of the two behaviors.
Myth 6: Vaping around people can harm them
Truth: This is far from true as vaping produces aerosol or vapor. There has been no such conclusive study to show that vaping can affect other people around. Whereas, it is well known that smoking traditional cigarettes around other people is harmful and can passively affect them.
Conclusion
To sum it up, we will say vaping is a much safer alternative to smoking. Myths and misconceptions around vaping stem from lack of knowledge and this article was meant to provide you with correct awareness about vaping. Debunking these myths, one will be able to enjoy a vape much more than before and can even choose them for use as a way to quit smoking.
