Vaping Etiquette: A Beginner’s Guide
Smokers will know all too well the rules of smoking etiquette. So if you choose vaping as an alternative to cigarettes you might think that your days of being a social pariah are behind you. Not quite….
As electronic cigarettes have grown in popularity, a whole new set of rules have emerged governing when, where, why and how you are using your vaporizer. If you are are a current smoker, are new to vaping and considering buying a vaping starter kit then you may find the whole thing a little overwhelming at first. Read on for a basic guide to the dos and don’ts of vaping.
DON’T vape where you can’t smoke
This is the most important and the most controversial rule of vaping. When you vape, the smell released might be minimal and the vapour almost invisible, yet vaping is not allowed indoors in public places. Non-smokers may argue that the fumes are still noticeable and potentially unpleasant to others, while others may mistakenly believe that inhaling your vapours is akin (falsely) to second-hand smoking. Yes, you can take the time to explain the difference between vaping and smoking, but it’s a lot easier and more polite to just avoid unnecessary confrontation and vape in the allotted smoking area.
DON’T support underage vaping
It is illegal to sell to or supply anyone under 18 years of age with an electronic cigarette, even if it contains 0% nicotine. There should be litte disagreement about this: the law is the law and you could be hit with a £2,500 fine if you are found guilty of helping an underage teen to vape.
Nicotine aside, the hand to mouth action of vaping can be psychologically addictive, while time spent vaping in smoking areas can normalise regular cigarette smoking and even encourage it. Vaping is all about helping current smokers enjoy an alternative to smoking, not encouraging people to start, so be aware of the influence yoru vaping has on younger people.
DO use the right charger
This may seem like an odd rule to include in a vaping etiquette blog, but bear with us. Since electronic cigarettes hit the market, there has been a spate of news stories about exploding vapourizers or chargers. This has done nothing to quell the suspicion that vaping is just as bad as smoking, if not worse. But vapourizers don’t just spontaneously combust – in nearly every reported instance of a vapourizer catching fire or ‘exploding’, it has been attached to a charger. The wrong type of charger. There are a lot of different vaping companies out there selling a lot of different types of vapourizer. It is imperative that you use the correct charger with your electronic cigarette, every time. It is also a good idea to keep your charging e-cig away from direct heat and sunlight for similar reasons. See our Battery Safety Page for further advice.
DON’T use your vapourizer for anything other than e-liquid
Vapourizers are meant to be used with specially formulated e-liquid and nothing else. By filling your vapourizer with another substance you could damage the equipment or end up inhaling something unsafe such as unregulated black market products.
It should go without saying that vape kits should not be used to ingest any illegal substances. Not only is this extremely dangerous, but it may have an impact on how vaping is regulated.
Vaping is a viable, affordable, social and effective alternative to smoking but there is still some way to go before it can be fully accepted by the British public. Demonstrating good vaping etiquette and consideration of others is the best way forward.
DO try out a few different flavours
Unlike cigarettes, vapourizers offer you a few more choices than ‘tobacco’ or ‘menthol’. There are countless e liquid flavours to choose from, so experiment with something new until you’ve found your favourite. We stock a huge range of flavours from fruity apple or raspberry, to sweet banana cake or cherry bakewell, and zingy mints and menthols. Plus, of course, a selection of traditional tobacco flavours for purists.
