The first vape device was invented nearly two decades ago now and since then, e-cigarettes have become incredibly popular around the world, providing a safe option for non-smokers and ex-smokers alike. With all popularity comes controversy though and, as a result, there are now several misconceptions about e-cigarettes and vaping, some of which our team at The Vape Life will look into today. Unfortunately, a lot of these misconceptions have given e-cigarettes a bad name, so to set the record straight, we have disproved some of the most popular myths about e-cigarettes.
E-cigarettes don’t help you quit smoking
One of the main reasons why e-cigarettes are so popular is because they are not tobacco products and they don't pose the same risks to your health. For some people, e-cigarettes are used as a stepping stone to overcoming their nicotine addiction and quitting smoking for good.
It isn’t uncommon for people to believe that e-cigarettes don't actually help you quit smoking, they just offer you something else to smoke and eventually, you will go back to tobacco. However, this couldn't be further from the truth. Studies have suggested that e-cigarettes are almost twice as effective in helping smokers to quit as other replacement therapies. They really can make it easier to walk away from smoking and they’re a great first step in the right direction.
Smoking e-cigarettes is bad for your health
The main argument that many have against e-cigarettes is that because they’re a form of smoking, they must be just as dangerous as smoking tobacco cigarettes. Some people are concerned about the chemical diacetyl that’s used in e-liquids too and the side effects that high levels of exposure cause, such as ‘popcorn lung’.
Diacetyl has actually been banned from e-cigarettes and e-liquids in the EU, so there is very little chance that you will develop lung conditions from vaping. Additionally, vaping doesn’t include any tar, which is one of the main culprits for health concerns when smoking tobacco.
No one knows what’s in e-liquid
This is one of the biggest myths about smoking e-cigarettes and the reality is that we know exactly what's in e-liquids. In fact, here in Ireland, we have incredibly strict regulations on e-cigarettes. This means that, under various regulations, all e-liquids and other e-cigarette products have to meet a minimum standard for quality and safety.
If you're concerned, all e-liquid labels have ingredients on them. Providing this information is a legal requirement to help customers make informed decisions about their purchases. So, not only do we know what is in e-cigarettes but their ingredients are also heavily regulated.
E-cigarettes are a danger to others
One of the concerns people have about tobacco smoke is how it affects the health of those around the smoker. Second-hand smoke can be incredibly damaging, leading to all sorts of complications like bronchitis, lung disease and even cancer. While exposure to second-hand smoke is undeniably harmful, exposure to e-cigarette vapour is not.
The e-liquid used in e-cigarettes is composed of Propylene Glycol (PG), Vegetable Glycerin (VG), flavourings and sometimes nicotine, all of which are harmless. There has been no evidence that vaping is dangerous to the health of any bystanders. Of course, those who already struggle with respiratory conditions may find that vapour is an irritant, in the same way as pollen and cold air can be.
Finding out more about smoking e-cigarettes
If you’d like to try using an e-cigarette but you want to find out more about the myths that surround them before doing so, don't hesitate to get in touch with our experienced team at The Vape Life. We can continue busting the myths about e-cigarettes and provide you with any additional information you require about these electronic devices and the e-liquid used inside them. On our online store, you will find a vast range of e-cigarettes too and we can help you find the perfect starter kit to try.