Is Vaping Worse than Smoking?
Today I want to address a question that many of you have been asking me; Is vaping worse than smoking?
You might have assumed that vaping is a healthier option compared to smoking because it doesn’t involve burning tobacco and inhaling a plethora of chemicals. Maybe you’ve come across advertisements or heard testimonials from celebrities claiming that vaping helped them quit smoking and improve their health. Perhaps you’ve even tried vaping yourself hoping to kick your nicotine addiction while enjoying the flavors and the different devices that are available.
Here’s the real question – “Does vaping surpass smoking in terms of being less harmful?”. Is it simply another way of damaging your lungs and exposing yourself to risks? In this article I’ll unveil the truth about vaping based on the research and expert opinions. Additionally I’ll provide some tips on quitting both smoking and vaping by harnessing the power of your mind and utilizing hypnotherapy.
Without ado let’s dive in!
What exactly is vaping?
Vaping refers to the act of inhaling and exhaling an aerosol, commonly known as vapor emitted by a device called an e cigarette or vape pen. E cigarettes, which are battery operated devices work, by heating a solution called e liquid or e juice. This liquid generally contains nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerin, flavorings and other additives. The e liquid is stored in a cartridge or tank that is connected to a mouthpiece and a heating component. When the user inhales through the mouthpiece the heating element vaporizes the e liquid producing an aerosol that looks like smoke.
E cigarettes come in shapes and sizes. They range from devices to more advanced ones that allow users to adjust voltage, temperature, airflow and flavor according to their preferences. Some e cigarettes resemble cigarettes, cigars or pipes while others resemble pens, USB sticks or other gadgets. Activation methods also vary. Some e cigarettes have buttons to activate the heating element while others are activated by inhaling through the mouthpiece.
E cigarettes have names such as vapes, vape pens, mods, tanks, pods, or JUULs (which’s a popular brand of e cigarette resembling a USB stick). The act of using an e cigarette is sometimes referred to as vaping or juuling.
What are the health effects associated with vaping?
Vaping is often promoted as an alternative to smoking because it doesn’t involve burning and produces toxic chemicals compared to tobacco smoke. However it’s important to note that vaping is not without its risks. It still exposes users to nicotine and other harmful substances that can impact their health in ways.
Let’s explore some of the effects vaping can have on health.
Nicotine Addiction
Nicotine is a substance that stimulates the brain and influences mood, attention, memory, learning and behavior. It can also raise blood pressure, heart rate and breathing rate. When someone experiences nicotine withdrawal they may experience irritability, anxiety, depression, difficulty concentrating, insomnia and cravings.
Most e cigarettes contain varying levels of nicotine. Some e-liquids have higher concentrations of nicotine than cigarettes. For instance a single JUUL pod contains 59 milligrams of nicotine per milliliter of liquid – to around 20 cigarettes. It’s worth noting that some users may not be fully aware of how nicotine they’re consuming when they vape.
Vaping has the potential to lead to nicotine addiction or sustain an existing addiction, for smokers who switch to e cigarettes. This addiction can make it more challenging for individuals to quit both smoking and vaping in the term.
Vaping can have effects on the lungs leading to inflammation, irritation and scarring of lung tissue. Additionally it can compromise the lungs ability to combat infections and clear mucus effectively. Engaging in vaping practices may increase the likelihood of developing lung conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) bronchitis, emphysema and even lung cancer.
Harmful Substances
Certain substances found in e cigarettes have the potential to harm lung health when vaporized;
Propylene glycol and glycerin; These used ingredients in e liquids serve as solvents and humectants. Can produce acetaldehyde and formaldehyde when subjected to high temperatures. These compounds are known carcinogens associated with cancer development.
Flavorings
Flavorings are added to e liquids for taste enhancement. However some flavorings contain chemicals like diacetyl, acetyl propionyl and acetoin that have been linked to a lung condition called bronchiolitis obliterans or popcorn lung. Popcorn lung is an irreversible disease characterized by scarring and narrowing of airways within the lungs.
Metals
E cigarettes release metals from their heating coils and other components, into aerosols. Notable metals detected in e cigarette aerosols include lead, nickel, chromium, manganese and arsenic.
These metals have the potential to harm the lungs and heighten the chances of developing lung cancer.
Ultrafine Particles
These minuscule particles form when the e liquid is vaporized. They can deeply penetrate the lungs leading to inflammation and oxidative stress. Moreover they can exacerbate existing lung conditions, like asthma and COPD.
Compounds (VOCs)
These are organic chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature. Some VOCs detected in e cigarette aerosols include benzene, toluene, xylene and styrene. These compounds can irritate the lungs. Increase the risk of lung cancer.
Furthermore vaping can expose users to contaminants such as bacteria, fungi and endotoxins that have been linked to lung infections.
Other Health Risks
Vaping can also impact aspects of health including;
Heart and blood vessels
Vaping raises blood pressure, heart rate and promotes inflammation—thus increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular disease. Additionally it damages blood vessel linings while impairing their function. Vaping has also been associated with an increased likelihood of blood clots formation along with atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries).
Brain and Nervous System
The use of e cigarettes among adolescents and young adults can have an impact on the development of the brain and nervous system. It may negatively affect functions like memory, learning, attention span and impulse control. Additionally there is an increased risk of health issues such as anxiety, depression, mood disorders and psychosis associated with vaping.
Oral Health
Vaping has the potential to cause oral health problems. These include dry mouth, bad breath, tooth decay, gum disease and even oral cancer. This is primarily due to reduced saliva production, alteration of the microbiome (the collection of microorganisms in our mouths) and exposure to chemicals.
Reproductive Health
Both men and women may experience negative effects on fertility and sexual function as a result of vaping. It can influence hormone levels and sperm and egg quality. For individuals vaping carries risks such as birth weight babies or premature delivery. There is also a possibility of stillbirths or congenital defects in babies exposed to vaping during pregnancy. Furthermore neurobehavioral problems can occur in children whose mothers have vaped while pregnant.
Is Vaping Worse than Smoking?
Vaping should not be considered an alternative to smoking since both practices can harm your health in ways. Some experts argue that vaping may be less harmful than smoking because it exposes users to lower levels of chemicals compared to tobacco smoke.
The UK government’s agency, Public Health England (PHE) released a report suggesting that vaping is significantly less harmful than smoking, estimating a reduction of 95% in harm. The report also indicates that transitioning from smoking to vaping may decrease the risks associated with smoking related diseases and mortality.
Nevertheless some researchers have raised concerns about the validity of this report due to its reliance on evidence and potential influence from conflicts of interest. Additionally the report acknowledges that vaping is not entirely risk free and that there remains uncertainty regarding its long term effects.
Contrary to PHEs findings the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) a federal agency dedicated to safeguarding health does not endorse vaping as an alternative to smoking or as an effective tool for quitting. The CDC asserts that e-cigarettes are unsuitable for individuals, pregnant women, adults who do not currently use tobacco products citing severe lung injuries and fatalities associated with their use.
Similarly the American Lung Association (ALA) an organization committed to preventing lung diseases and promoting lung health does not advocate for vaping as a means of quitting smoking or consider it safer, than traditional smoking.The American Lung Association (ALA) mentions that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved e cigarettes as a means to quit smoking or, as an alternative. According to the ALA e-cigarettes contain substances that can lead to lung damage and other health issues.
Therefore answering the question “Is vaping worse than smoking?” is difficult. It depends on different factors including your vaping or smoking frequency, the type of device or product you use, the ingredients in your e tobacco product, how long you have been vaping or smoking and if you have any existing health conditions.
The best approach for safeguarding your health is to refrain from both smoking and vaping altogether.
How can you quit both smoking and vaping?
Quitting both smoking and vaping is possible. Here are a few tips on how to quit both smoking and vaping:
Choose a day to stop smoking and vaping completely. It’s important to physically prepare for this quit day. You can select a date that holds significance for you such as your birthday, anniversary or New Years Day. Make sure the chosen date is close enough to keep you motivated but not too overwhelming. You can mark the quit date on your calendar, share it with friends and family or even make it official on social media to receive support.
Prior to your quit day make sure to get rid of any cigarettes, lighters, ashtrays, e-cigarettes, e-liquids, chargers, batteries and pods. Additionally it’s wise to clean your clothes, car, home and workplace to eliminate any lingering traces of smoke or vapor. This will help you steer clear of temptations or reminders associated with smoking and vaping.
Giving up smoking and vaping can be more effective when you have the support of others who are going through the journey or have already successfully quit. Consider joining a support group either online or offline where you can connect with fellow quitters and share your experiences, challenges, tips and accomplishments. These groups provide a space for encouragement, feedback, advice and holding each other.
Quitting smoking and vaping can be made easier with the guidance of a clinical hypnotherapist. Clinical hypnotherapists have the ability to harness the power of hypnosis to assist individuals in quitting smoking cigarettes and vaping. Hypnotherapy operates by accessing the subconscious mind, substituting nicotine addiction with healthier habits and coping strategies. This method addresses not only the physical addiction but also the psychological aspects of smoking, making the path to a smoke-free life more manageable and sustainable. Studies show the effectiveness of hypnotherapy for smoking cessation. Here are two different studies: <Study 1> and <Study 2>.
With professional guidance, the process of quitting smoking and vaping can be significantly eased. CLICK HERE to schedule a free strategy session to see what hypnotherapy can do for you.
