Dispelling Vaping Myths

For a practice which has been proven to be 95% safer than smoking traditional tobacco, you would think that the scaremongering myths surrounding vaping would be significantly less.  

And yet, even now years after the introduction of e-cigarettes, there still exists a plethora of inaccuracies and misinformation which continue to crop up in conversation whenever the topic of e-cigarettes is visited.  

We’re here to dispel some of those myths and provide you with nothing more than the simple, honest facts. Armed with this information, you can make your own decision as to whether or not vaping is the right option for you.  

Myth 1 “E-Liquids Contain Anti-Freeze”  

This myth was probably born of the fact that e-liquids contain Propylene Glycol: a completely safe and non-toxic substance commonly used in food and cosmetic products. Propylene Glycol is indeed used in anti-freeze, but only to reduce the overall harm caused by ingesting the anti-freeze itself.  

Myth 2 “E-Cigarettes are Dangerous and Will Explode During Use or Travel”  

We’re all familiar with the sensationalised headlines which read "E-cigarette explodes in man’s pocket causing life-changing injuries!" or something to that effect.  However, articles of this nature rarely contain the important facts related to the story, such as mentioning the specific type of e-cigarette device, the place of purchase and the method of charging. All of these factors are crucial in ensuring the safety of e-cigarette use, as products should only be purchased from reputable manufactures and used, charged and stored exactly as instructed. As with all electrical items, failure to comply with the correct safety measures could compromise the safety of the device and lead to some sort of malfunction.  

However, all e-cig devices sold from reliable companies like Vapouriz are equipped with safety protection features which stop the device from overheating or accidentally firing.  It is only unregulated mods (aimed at experienced vapers with a knowledge of battery safety, Ohms Law and DIY coil building) which do not contain protection features, and as such these devices should not be used by anyone who is new to the practice of vaping. 

Myth 3 “Vaping Causes Popcorn Lung”  

This myth has been making the rounds for quite some time now, despite numerous credible sources completely debunking the theory.  

The rumour probably began when factory workers reported experiencing an ailment known as popcorn lung (a bronchial condition which causes coughing and shortness of breath) when exposed to high levels of diacetyl. Because some e-liquids contain diacetyl, the assumption was made that vaping e-liquids could also lead to the affliction. However, very few e-liquids actually use diacetyl and those that do contain far too small of an amount to cause any harm. It should also be noted that traditional tobacco cigarettes also contain diacetyl in significantly higher amounts than what is present in e-liquids.  

Myth 4 “E-Cigarettes Are Just As Harmful As Tobacco Cigarettes”  

It’s certainly no myth that traditional tobacco cigarettes are packed with a multitude of nasty additives and potentially lethal chemicals.  

These chemicals derive from different sources along the journey of tobacco manufacture, from the soil to the act of burning the cigarette. There are as many as five-thousand chemicals present in cigarettes and the smoke which is produced from burning them, including (but not at all limited to) ammonia, arsenic, butane, carbon monoxide, methanol and tar.  

E-liquids on the other hand are made up of a simple blend of Propylene Glycol, Vegetable Glycerine, flavourings and nicotine – all of which are safe, non-toxic and free from harmful chemicals and carcinogens.  

Although addictive, nicotine itself isn’t detrimental to health. That’s why nicotine-containing e-liquids are a great option for satisfying your cravings without exposing yourself to the cocktail of harmful additives found in tobacco.  

Myth 5 “Vaping Leads to Smoking” 

Public Heath England have long been advocating the benefits of e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation aid, but a recent study carried out by the organisation stated that there was“no evidence so far to support the concern that e-cigarettes are a route into smoking among young people.”  

Another study published to the US National Library of Medicine found that “most e-cigarette experimentation does not turn into regular use, and levels of regular use in young people who have never smoked remain very low.” 

Myth 6 “E-Cigarettes And E-Liquids Are Deliberately Targeted At Teens” 

Young people will always gravitate towards what they consider new and exciting, just as they have done for generations with tobacco cigarettes.  

However, it is important to remember that vaping was developed exclusively as a means of smoking cessation, to help people who already smoke kick the habit successfully and safely. That’s why e-cigarettes and e-liquids are strictly sold to over 18's only, to ensure that young people – especially young non-smokers - are not enticed to take up vaping.   

Sources

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/e-cigarettes-around-95-less-harmful-than-tobacco-estimates-landmark-review 

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/5-truths-you-need-to-know-about-vaping  

https://ascpjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1940-0640-8-5 

https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2018/02/20/clearing-up-some-myths-around-e-cigarettes/  

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28850065