Are you ready to kick the smoking habit for good this October? If you've been thinking about quitting smoking, now is the perfect time to join the StopTober campaign and make the switch to vaping with The Vaping Movement. We understand that there may be some confusion and misconceptions about vaping, so let's debunk the myths and explore the facts to help you make an informed choice.
Myth 1: Vaping is just as harmful as smoking
Fact: Vaping is not completely harmless, but it is significantly less harmful than smoking. In 2022, UK experts conducted a comprehensive review of international evidence and found that vaping poses only a small fraction of the risks associated with smoking. Unlike cigarettes, which release thousands of harmful chemicals, many of which are poisonous and carcinogenic, vape aerosol contains far fewer toxins. By making the switch from smoking to vaping, you can significantly reduce your exposure to substances linked to cancer, lung disease, heart disease, and stroke.
Myth 2: Nicotine is very harmful to health
Fact: Nicotine, although addictive, is relatively harmless when separated from the toxic chemicals in tobacco smoke. Nicotine itself does not cause cancer, lung disease, heart disease, or stroke. In fact, it has been used safely in smoking cessation medicines for years. The true harm from smoking comes from the multitude of toxic compounds in cigarette smoke, not from nicotine.
Myth 3: Vaping does not help people quit smoking
Fact: Nicotine vapes are among the most effective tools for quitting smoking. Studies have shown that they are even more effective than nicotine replacement therapies like patches or gum. Vaping provides a similar hand-to-mouth action and sensations to smoking, making it easier for some people to transition away from cigarettes. To ensure success, it's essential to choose an e-liquid with enough nicotine to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Specialist vape shops and Stop Smoking Services can provide guidance on selecting the right products for your needs.
Myth 4: Switching to a vape is just swapping one harmful addiction for another
Fact: While both cigarettes and vapes contain nicotine, vaping is far less harmful than smoking. Smoking exposes you to a multitude of toxic substances that can lead to serious health issues, including cancer and heart disease. Vaping delivers nicotine through heating e-liquid, which is much safer. Over time, you can gradually reduce the nicotine strength in your e-liquid until you are nicotine-free, making it a practical step towards quitting altogether.
Myth 5: People use vapes more frequently than cigarettes – that must be worse
Fact: Vaping more frequently than smoking is normal and not more harmful. Each puff from a vape carries only a fraction of the risks associated with smoking. Vaping differs from smoking in how it delivers nicotine to the brain. While smoking provides a quick nicotine hit, vaping takes longer to reach the brain, requiring more frequent "sips." Using your vape as needed to stay smoke-free is crucial to your success.
Myth 6: Vapes are not regulated and we do not know what's in them
Fact: In the UK, nicotine vaping products are tightly regulated for safety and quality. All products must be notified to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), providing detailed information about their ingredients. To ensure you are using safe and regulated vaping products, always buy from reputable suppliers such as specialist vape shops, pharmacies, supermarkets, or UK-based online retailers.
Myth 7: Vaping causes 'popcorn lung'
Fact: Vaping does not cause "popcorn lung," a rare disease known as bronchiolitis obliterans. This disease was found in factory workers exposed to a chemical called diacetyl, used in popcorn flavoring. While diacetyl is present in cigarette smoke, it is banned in UK-regulated nicotine vapes and e-liquids.
Myth 8: Exposure to vape aerosol is harmful to people around you
Fact: There is currently no evidence suggesting that vaping is harmful to those around you. Unlike secondhand smoke from cigarettes, which poses serious health risks to others, vaping aerosol's potential risks are minimal. However, it's advisable to avoid vaping around babies and children, as they often mimic adult behavior. Always be considerate when vaping near individuals with health conditions like asthma, as they may be more sensitive to vape aerosol.
Myth 9: A disposable vape can deliver as much nicotine as 40 or 50 cigarettes
Fact: A standard UK-regulated disposable vape delivers a similar amount of nicotine as 20 cigarettes. These disposables typically contain 2ml of liquid with a nicotine level of 20mg/ml, providing approximately 20mg of nicotine to the user. In comparison, a pack of 20 cigarettes delivers 200 to 300mg of nicotine, averaging between 20 to 30mg per cigarette.
So, this October, take a step towards a smoke-free life by choosing vaping as your path to quitting smoking. Join The Vaping Movement and the StopTober campaign to make a positive change for your health and well-being. Remember, it's never too late to quit smoking, and vaping can be a valuable tool in your journey towards a smoke-free future.
