Is vaping bad for you?
In recent years, the rise of e-cigarettes, commonly known as vapes, has become a notable trend in the UK. Many have turned to vaping as an alternative to traditional smoking, believing it to be a healthier option. But is this truly the case? In this article, we will delve into what vapes are, explore the potential risks associated with their use, and address the pressing questions many people have about the effects of vaping on the body.
What are e-cigarettes?
E-cigarettes, often referred to as 'vapes', are electronic devices designed to deliver nicotine without burning tobacco. The primary appeal for many is the perception that vaping may present fewer health risks than smoking, as well as the diverse range of flavours available. However, it's essential to be informed about the potential impacts on health and the ongoing research in this area. Instead of producing smoke like traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes produce a vapour, hence the term 'vaping'.
How do e-cigarettes work?
E-cigarettes or vapes typically consist of a battery, a heating element, and a tank that holds the e-liquid. When activated, either by a puff or a button press, the battery powers the heating element which then heats the e-liquid, transforming it into a vapour. This vapour is inhaled, delivering both flavour and, if present, nicotine to the user. The mechanics of vaping are relatively simple, but understanding the technology and its potential health effects remains essential for informed decision-making.
Are e-cigarettes safe?
The question of e-cigarette safety has been a topic of discussion and research in the UK and around the world. While e-cigarettes are generally believed to be less harmful than traditional cigarettes, they are not without risk. According to the NHS, e-cigarettes are tightly regulated for safety and quality in the United Kingdom. E-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is addictive, and the long-term effects of inhaling the vapour are still being studied. Additionally, there have been instances of device malfunctions leading to injuries.
Video: Is Vaping Harmful?
Cancer Research UK have put together a helpful overview video outlining the risks and long term effects of vaping. You can watch it below:
What is vaping?
Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling the vapour produced by an electronic cigarette, often referred to as an e-cigarette or vape. Unlike traditional cigarettes, which burn tobacco to produce smoke, e-cigarettes use a battery to heat a liquid. This liquid turns into vapour, which the user inhales. The e-liquid typically contains nicotine, flavourings, and other chemicals. According to the NHS, one of the main reasons vaping has become popular in the UK and other parts of the world is that it is seen as an alternative to smoking.
Does vaping cause lung injuries?
There have been reports, particularly in the United States, of lung injuries associated with vaping, commonly referred to as EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury). EVALI is a severe pulmonary illness associated with the use of e-cigarettes or vaping products that was officially identified and named in 2019 (Rebuli et al, 2023). Symptoms have included shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing.
It should be noted that the majority of investigations into the symptoms of EVALI show that it is more common when the user is using a vape that contains THC, which is the psychoactive component of cannabis, particularly vapes that were purchased from unreputable sources or from the black market. In the UK, regulations around e-cigarettes and their liquids are stringent, but it remains vital for users to be aware of potential risks and to purchase products from reputable sources.
Does vaping cause popcorn lung?
'Popcorn lung' is a colloquial term for a condition called bronchiolitis obliterans, a rare and serious lung disease. The name 'popcorn lung' originated from an incident where workers at a microwave popcorn facility developed this condition after being exposed to high levels of diacetyl, a chemical used to create a buttery flavour.
Vaping e-liquids exposes the user to several potentially harmful chemicals, including diacetyl, a flavouring compound known to cause bronchiolitis obliterans (popcorn lung) with inhalational exposure (Landman et al, 2019). While there were initial concerns due to the presence of diacetyl in some e-liquids, there hasn't been conclusive proof that vaping causes popcorn lung, especially given the stricter regulations in places like the UK.
Does vaping cause heart disease?
The relationship between vaping and heart disease is a subject of ongoing research. E-cigarettes often contain nicotine, which is known to increase heart rate and blood pressure temporarily. Over time, repeated exposure to nicotine can potentially lead to changes in the heart and blood vessels, which might elevate the risk of heart disease. Two new studies by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute suggested that the long-term use of electronic cigarettes, or vaping products, can significantly impair the function of the body’s blood vessels, increasing the risk for cardiovascular disease.
Does vaping help you to stop smoking?
Many smokers in the UK have turned to vaping as a tool to help them quit smoking. According to Asthma & Lung UK, there is good evidence that e-cigarettes can help smokers quit and that they are slightly more effective than traditional NRT products. It's essential to approach using vaping to replace smoking with an understanding of both its potential benefits and risks. It's always advisable to seek guidance from healthcare professionals or local stop-smoking services when considering vaping as a cessation tool.
Does vaping contain nicotine?
Yes, many e-liquids used in vaping do contain nicotine. According to the UK Health Security Agency, e-cigarette liquid is typically composed of nicotine, propylene glycol and/or glycerine, and flavourings. Nicotine is a naturally occurring alkaloid found primarily in the leaves of the tobacco plant, but it is also present in smaller amounts in certain other plants. Nicotine acts as a stimulant in the body, specifically on the cholinergic receptors in the brain. Upon ingestion, it can lead to increased heart rate, heightened alertness, and a feeling of relaxation.
Is vaping safe during pregnancy?
It is well known that smoking during pregnancy can have adverse effects on both the mother and child. Tobacco smoke contains thousands of chemicals, many of which can be detrimental to the health of both the mother and her developing baby. But, is it okay to use a vape during pregnancy, and can vaping pose the same threats to pregnant mothers and unborn children? It may well be. E-cigarette use during pregnancy is associated with adverse birth outcomes (Regan et al, 2021). Specifically, vaping during pregnancy is linked with reduced birth weight and gestational age (Hawkins et al, 2022).
Does vaping pose a fire risk?
Yes, vaping devices can pose a fire risk, primarily due to the batteries they utilise. Many e-cigarettes use lithium batteries because they can store a large amount of energy in a compact space. However, the inherent characteristics of lithium batteries can pose a risk of fire and explosion (Eaton et al, 2018). Injuries resulting from device explosion or ensuing fire can range from minor injuries to even death (Fakeh Campbell et al, 2020). Examples of burns and injuries caused by lithium-battery-caused fires have been documented around the world and are well-known risks associated with the batteries (Treitl et al, 2016).
Is second-hand vaping vapour harmful to other people?
The topic of second-hand vapour from e-cigarettes is an area of ongoing research, and there's still much to understand about its potential health effects. The vapour from e-cigarettes is predominantly made up of propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, nicotine, and flavourings. It doesn't contain the tar or many of the harmful chemicals found in traditional cigarette smoke.
Initial studies indicate that bystanders can be exposed to nicotine when someone is vaping nearby, but the levels are typically much lower than those found in second-hand smoke from cigarettes. Despite this, some studies suggest that younger people may be affected by second-hand vapour, and some links can be drawn to an increased risk of bronchitic symptoms and shortness of breath (Islam et al, 2022).
Can I get an e-cigarette on the NHS?
No, you cannot currently get e-cigarettes from the NHS, even if you are using them to try and quit smoking. Certain NHS-run Stop Smoking Services may offer you a free vaping starter pack if you are trying to quit smoking, however, this will depend on your local service. The NHS provides advice on how to select the right vape when you are trying to quit smoking.
Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Alexis Missick MBChB. MRCGP
GMC reference no: 7151419
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