A Quick Guide to Vaping
How do vaping devices work?
Vaping devices can support people to quit smoking by delivering nicotine to receptors in the brain.
Unlike cigarettes, there is no combustion (burning) involved in e-cigarettes so there is no smoke, tar or carbon monoxide.
Following extensive research, Public Health England has concluded that ‘e-cigarettes are 95% less harmful than smoking’.
Mouth and throat irritation are the most common side-effects, but these generally subside over time.
Choosing your device is a personal choice. Do your research and seek out a reputable supplier who can provide you with an appropriate product for your smoking habit. It is also important that the charger on your chosen device meets British Standards for electrical safety.
Myths about vaping
There is a lot of misleading information about vapes, we refer to them as ‘myths’. Some of them include:
Diacetyl is a chemical that was used to produce a buttery flavour in foods like popcorn, and when it is inhaled it causes a rare condition called bronchiolitis obliterans which is a respiratory condition that affects the lungs. In the past this chemical was used in some flavourings used in vapes hence the concern about people getting ‘popcorn’ lungs from vaping. In the UK diacetyl is banned as an ingredient for use with vapes.
Nicotine vaping is not risk-free, although it is far less h than harmful then smoking. In 2022, researchers in the UK reported “in the short and medium-term, vaping poses a small fraction of the risks of smoking” after reviewing data from around the globe.
The cycle of nicotine withdrawal may be the cause of the widespread misperception that vapes are a stress reliever. Some of the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal include irritability, anxiety, and despair; consuming nicotine temporarily eases these symptoms but does not make stress or anxiety go away. There are healthier ways to manage stress.
Facts about vaping
- It is only recommended for smokers who want to quit and are 18 years above.
- Vaping is less harmful to the health than smoking but it doesn’t mean it is harmless (especially for children and young people under 18)
- Some disposable vapes on sale are illegal
- Most vapes contain nicotine which is an addictive substance that can be hard to stop using once you’ve started
- In the UK it is illegal to sell nicotine vaping products to someone under the age of 18, or for adults to buy these products for them.
- Nicotine is more harmful for children and young people than for adults, as evidence suggests that the developing brain is more at risk to dependence.
FAQ's
You should use your device to help manage nicotine withdrawal and urges to smoke. You will soon discover the best way for you of using your device.
It’s not like a cigarette, which you would smoke from start to finish; with an e-cigarette or vape you can ‘sip’ on it once or twice, and then put it away. If you find that you have your vape in your mouth all the time, you may need to use a higher nicotine strength liquid.
Nicotine does not cause smoking related disease, such as cancers and heart disease. These are caused by other chemicals found in tobacco.
Nicotine is addictive and is why people continue to smoke despite knowing about the harmful effects. Nicotine in e-cigarettes poses little danger to adult users.
To prevent accidental poisoning of children and pets, e-cigarettes and liquids should be stored away safely and out of reach.
When you are ready to start reducing vape usage, many of the techniques that you learnt when quitting smoking such as distraction, changing routines and a gradual reduction in nicotine content may help.
Some people find leaving their vape in a drawer or a designated place in the house can help to reduce usage as it helps to prevent ‘sipping’ on the vape out of habit. If you need extra support, talking to a stop smoking practitioner or using a licenced NRT product such as a patch can be useful.