For many, e-cigarettes (vapes) have been an incredibly useful smoking cessation tool, with the highest success rate out of all methods and solutions offered to smokers. The process of heating e-liquid instead of combustion has lead many manufacturers propose that e-cigarettes have less harmful respiratory effects than traditional tobacco consumption. Generally speaking, scientists have confirmed that vaping is less harmful than smoking. But what are the dangers that are still present?
Consequences of nicotine
It is well known that nicotine is extremely addictive. Nicotine is the chemical within vapes and cigarettes that make them addictive. However it is not responsible for the harmful effects of smoking. People have use nicotine replacement therapies for many years and it is a highly researched area and it known to be safe enough to be prescribed by doctors. Whilst nicotine is not a harmless substance, it should be noted that it is not the deadly element of smoking. For smokers wanting to finally give up smoking, research has concluded that vapes with a high nicotine content, (20 - 35mg salt nic) has had the highest success rate at converting smokers to vapers as it provides a feeling most comparable to smoking.
Dangers of vaping
Whilst e-cigarettes are not entirely risk-free, the NHS (UK National Health Service ) confirms that they carry a fraction of the risks that combustible tobacco carries. E-cigarettes do not produce tar, or carbon monoxide which are two of the most toxic elements found in tobacco.
The liquid and vapour contain some potentially harmful chemicals however at significantly lower levels.