Vaping has seen a rise in popularity over the last decade. What started with basic vape pens has now expanded into a million-dollar industry with several different choices. Many people now vape instead of smoking cigarettes. Seeing this trend many healthcare professionals and policymakers have varying thoughts on vaping as an alternative. 

So, let’s look into the world of vaping and discuss how they have benefitted many to quit smoking overall. We will discuss why vaping is a good alternative and also discuss how they are a threat to future generations. Let’s get started!

Health Impacts

Smoking

Cigarettes have been around for multiple decades now. They have been researched and documented to be the leading causes of several health issues. When a cigarette is lit, the combustion releases chemicals that are toxic to humans. 

Smoking in public places can also lead to increased risk to those who do not smoke. A cigarette has more than 70 carcinogens that can lead to the build-up of various health problems like:

  • Cancer in the lung cancer, throat, and mouth.
  • Respiratory Diseases like Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) leads to the development of emphysema and chronic bronchitis
  • Cardiovascular Issues like heart disease and strokes. It also leads to peripheral vascular disease due to damage to the heart and blood vessels.

Vaping

Vaping on the other hand is perceived as a less harmful alternative to smoking. This is because you do not burn tobacco, instead, a liquid is heated to create a vapor. 

It took 3 decades to find out the problems of cigarettes and vaping is still in the infant stage. So the health implications of vaping need more research and cannot be ruled out yet. 

Vape products generally contain fewer toxic chemicals than cigarette smoke. However, they are not free of harmful substances, including nicotine. Nicotine is highly addictive and is known to affect brain development in young people.

While generally perceived to be less harmful than secondhand smoke, secondhand vapor still contains nicotine and other particles that could affect individuals nearby. However, the impact is likely less severe than that of secondhand smoke.

Health Risks and Benefits of Vaping

  • Reduced Exposure to Carcinogens: Vaping indeed has fewer toxic substances compared to smoking cigarettes.
  • Potential Gateway to Smoking: In many cases, people who were not likely to ever smoke have gotten into cigarettes due to vaping on the regular. 

Short-term and Long-term Health Effects

  • Short-term Effects: Many people might develop throat irritation, coughing, and shortness of breath from vaping.
  • Long-term Effects: The long-term effects are still unclear. Many have suffered from chronic lung diseases like popcorn lungs from vaping.

Cost Considerations

Smoking

The Price of cigarettes varies depending on where you live. They are usually inexpensive but are priced differently due to different tax rates. Heavy smokers can usually rack up bills due to the frequency of smoking. 

Additionally, smokers may face higher healthcare costs due to smoking-related illnesses and higher insurance premiums.

Average Cost of Traditional Cigarettes

USA$22 
Australia$26
New Zealand$22
UK$16
UAE$6
Turkey$1.42

[Source: Statista]

Vaping

Vaping can also be costly too. Initially, you need to invest in a device, coils, and E-liquid in comparison to a pack of cigarettes. However, these are one-time purchases and it gets cheaper in the long run. They even cost up to several hundred dollars for advanced systems. E-liquids and coils are a recurring cost that you have to account for in this cost calculation too. 

For example, the starter Raz Vape is priced at $20 but you can get one for much cheaper for as low as $10.

Cost Comparison 

The recurring expenses of vaping can be lower than buying packs of cigarettes but only if you are a heavy smoker. A regular smoker switching to vapes can save hundreds of dollars over several years. This is also because vaping products are not taxed the same way as cigarettes. You should also note that many countries ban vape products altogether. 

Social Perceptions

Smoking VS Vaping

Smoking back in the day was known to be a sophisticated thing to do. However, it did not take long for it to be labeled a health hazard. Vaping on the other hand has been marketed as an alternative to smoking. Many celebrities now endorse vape brands further adding to a positive outlook on vaping.

To protect public health, countries have implemented strict smoking bans in public places. Some also have designated smoking zones. However, there are no designated zones for vaping and many openly vape anywhere and everywhere.

  • Like smoking, vaping has seen increasing regulation, including age restrictions, marketing bans, and limitations on use in public spaces.
  • These regulations are often driven by concerns about youth vaping and the potential health risks associated with e-cigarettes.

User Experience

Smoking

The experience of smoking is one of its defining aspects. Many people smoke from the feel of a cigarette rather than the nicotine overall. It is a habit that is etched in the neurons as a way to relieve stress. Tobacco has a distinct taste and smell and the sensation of inhaling smoke, along with the nicotine hit, contributes to the satisfaction that smokers often seek. 

Vaping

Vaping is a little different as you have the choice of various flavors and devices to choose from. You can customize how you want to consume nicotine. A wide range of available e-liquid flavors and adjustable nicotine levels to cater to your needs. Users love vaping due to the ability to choose flavors and control nicotine intake alone.

Alternatively, the fact that you can remove the smoke of cigarettes through vaping is another reason why many have switched. It enabled them to get nicotine whenever needed without having to step out. For many smokers, vaping can offer a more accessible transition away from traditional cigarettes than quitting nicotine cold turkey.

Environmental Impact

Smoking

Smoking has always had a great environmental impact primarily due to waste and pollution. Cigarette filters are usually littered by a majority of smokers. These filters have plastic components which can take up to 10 years to decompose. They are also known to release toxic chemicals into soil and water bodies. Cigarette packaging can also contribute to deforestation, energy use, and waste.

Vaping

Vaping on the other hand poses a bigger risk to the environment. Disposable vapes are made from plastic and need to be disposed of properly. Since these devices are used and throw-away designs, it increases the waste of resources. They are not biodegradable and are challenging to recycle.

Safety Concerns

Smoking

Smoking presents immediate physical hazards beyond its health impacts, particularly related to fire safety. Fire Hazards are a big problem that stems from cigarettes due to improper disposal of still-lit cigarettes. These fires can lead to severe property damage and even loss of life. Cigarettes are risky as they can burn smokers and those around them.

Vaping

While vaping does not involve open flames you have the risk of malfunctioning electronics. In the early days of vaping, devices did not come with regulated batteries. This increased the risk of overheating the battery which could explode. This is another reason by many airlines band carrying vapes. Lithium-ion batteries used in vaping devices are the main reason why this issue arises. Alternatively, when vapes are not stored correctly they can be damaged from heat and malfunction.

Vaping Vs. Smoking: Which One Is Your Pick?

To conclude our debate on vaping vs smoking, vapes are a true winner. Although it is best not to get into the habit of vaping overall, consuming nicotine through vaping is currently a safer alternative. Many people have successfully quit smoking through vaping. They come in different flavors that make the process fun. So if you are thinking of vaping, weigh the pros and cons and make sure you do not end up doing both

Frequently Asked Questions

Is vaping safer than smoking? 

At the moment, vaping is better than smoking. In many places, it is cheaper than smoking in the long run and readily available. You do not have the problem of tar and carcinogen intake but still have the adverse effects of nicotine addiction.

Can vaping help me quit smoking? 

Yes,  you can quit smoking through vaping if you have the willpower to do it. Many people switch to vaping but end up smoking alongside it. If you want to quit smoking, make sure you start with a low nicotine strength and eventually reduce the nicotine strength to zero.

How much can I save by switching to vaping? 

The exact amount cannot be determined as there are regulations set on pricing in different places. However, you can save thousands of dollars monthly if you can regulate your use of vapes.

What are the common side effects of vaping? 

Throat irritation, coughing, dry mouth, and shortness of breath are some short-term side effects of vaping. Long-term health effects have less research done on them so it is difficult to pinpoint side effects. However, some people say that long-term effects are similar to cigarettes like respiratory and cardiovascular problems.

Are there any age restrictions for vaping? 

Most countries have age restrictions on vaping. The standard limit is at least 18 years old to purchase and consume. In many places like the USA, the minimum age to vape is 21.

What are the environmental impacts of vaping compared to smoking? 

In terms of smoking, cigarette buds are littered contributing to soil degradation and plastic waste. Vaping, on the other hand, is a bigger contributor to plastic and electronic waste. 

Can I vape anywhere I want? 

In many places, it is okay to vape anywhere you want to. Many countries have designated vaping areas familiar to smoking. 

How do I choose the right vaping device? 

As a beginner, you can opt for simple devices like a pen or a disposable to start vaping. Pod systems are now very common as you can use salt nicotine. If you want more cloud and flavor you can opt for devices like a full kit that uses freebase e liquids. Battery life in smaller devices may be something to account for alongside portability.