Is vaping all day the new equivalent to chain-smoking? On the surface, it would appear so, but the major differences between vaping and cigarette smoking deem otherwise.
Vaping is a new-ish trend that's still largely shrouded in mystery.
Since the beginning of vape pens and e-juices, it's been difficult for many to understand what they are and how they work. The closest thing to vaping is smoking, so it's assumed the two are almost one and the same.
Unfortunately, this lack of understanding has also created myriad misconceptions that put vaping in a bad light.
Today we're putting the myths to rest. Discover the truth about these ten things you thought you knew about vaping:
1. VAPING ALL DAY ISN'T BAD FOR YOU in 2024
Vaping and smoking cigarettes are two totally different things. With smoking, you're inhaling hundreds of chemicals and a large amount of smoke with each puff. Vaping, however, isn't smoke and poses less threat to your lungs, throat, and other areas of the body.
While smoking a pack or more a day poses significant health risks, the only danger of vaping all day is running out of money.
2. VAPE PENS AND E-CIGS AREN'T THE SAME THINGS
The terms 'vape pen' and 'e-cig' are often used interchangeably, but they aren't quite the same.
A vape pen is a slender device that uses cartridges filled with e-juice. These devices are usually customizable so users can mix and match flavors, cartridges, and other accessories.
E-cigs are usually smaller than vape pens and resemble a cigarette in appearance and size. These are usually pre-filled with e-juice (that contains nicotine) and are less expensive than vape pens.
Both produce vapor, which is likely why people get them confused. But vape pens offer more options and flexibility than e-cigs, while e-cigs are cheaper and can be disposable.
3. NOT ALL VAPE JUICE HAS NICOTINE
Many e-juices contain nicotine, but not all of them do. Each bottle of e-juice will indicate whether or not it contains nicotine.
Whether you vape or smoke, nicotine is an addictive substance. If you want to avoid withdrawal symptoms or other effects of nicotine, look for an e-juice that doesn't contain it.
4. VAPING ISN'T JUST AS BAD AS SMOKING CIGARETTES
By now, most people know about the risks of smoking cigarettes, and vaping in no way compares.
Cigarettes contain around 600 different chemicals. When burned, they create about 7,000 chemicals.
Vaping doesn't cause cancer. It isn't addictive unless you vape e-juice with nicotine. Second-hand vapor isn't harmful. And no vape pen the world is filled with 600 chemicals, nor do they emit 7,000 substances every time you puff.
5. YOU ALWAYS KNOW WHAT'S IN VAPE JUICE
Can you be sure you know what's in your vape juice? Of course, you can!
E-liquids begin with a base of vegetable glycerin, which helps with the vapor production. Then they add propylene glycol, which is also an ingredient in albuterol inhalers and helps to carry the flavor.
Next comes food-grade flavorings, much like the kind you'll find in foods at your local grocery store. Finally, nicotine is added (unless it's the nicotine-free kind) in varying amounts, which are displayed on the side of the bottle.
There's really not much to e-juice as far as ingredients, and they're all listed right on the bottle. Varying ratios of the above ingredients can cause discrepancies in flavor, which is why some e-juice tastes better than others.
6. VAPING CAN HELP YOU QUIT SMOKING
One of the major reasons smokers turn to vape is to help them quit their habit, once and for all. Some experts claim there isn't enough evidence to support a widespread theory that vaping can help people quit smoking, but some sources say otherwise.
Testimonials from vapers who have used the devices to quit smoking are astounding. One study from BMJ indicates a strong correlation between vaping and smoking cessation.
Other studies that have been conducted have turned up different results, however. It's clear that more testing is still needed, especially to win federal approval as a smoking cessation aid.
However, the lack of evidence shouldn't stop a smoker from trying it for themselves.
7. VAPING DOESN'T AFFECT YOUR ARTERIES
Traditional cigarettes cause the aorta to stiffen, but e-cigs have shown no effect on the arteries.
This single fact supports the argument that vaping is safer than smoking.
8. SECOND-HAND VAPE SMOKE ISN'T HARMFUL
One of the biggest issues surrounding tobacco cigarettes is that they pose health risks not just to smokers, but also to those around them. However, the vapor isn't the same as smoke.
Because vaping and smoking have been so closely associated, many people assume the "smoke" emitted from vape pens is just as harmful as cigarette smoke.
The vapor you exhale doesn't contain toxic carcinogens like cigarette smoke. One research paper concluded that the toxins in the vapor were 9-450 times less than that of cigarette smoke.
In short, simply being around someone vaping doesn't pose any health hazards or risks.
9. VAPING ISN'T FOR MINORS
The vaping industry has gotten flack for allegedly targeting minors, but this message is completely fabricated.
It's easy to see how this rumor may have been started:
Decades ago, cigarette giant R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. used a cartoon mascot and clever advertising to market their product. This was seen as making cigarettes too appealing for minors, so the ad campaign was eventually pulled.
In today's vaping world, there are some unintentional similarities. E-juices come in almost every flavor imaginable, including popular candies. The vibrant colors of vaping pens may also attract their attention.
But these elements are in no way specifically targeting minors. Adults like flavors and colors, too, and any appeal on the younger market is coincidental.
10. VAPING DOESN'T CAUSE CANCER
Because some vape juices contain nicotine, many people automatically assume that vaping is also cancerous. It's not.
Nicotine is not carcinogenic. In cigarettes, tar is the cancer-causing agent that smokers should be concerned about. Tar isn't present in vaping, so cancer worries should abate.
VAPE ALL DAY IN STYLE
These myths not only bring the vaping industry down but also the people who could benefit most from vaping. Now that we've cleared up the rumors, you can make an informed decision on whether vaping all day is right for you.
If you want to vape in style, head to our online vape shop to scoop up high-quality pens and e-juices.
