E-cigarettes are increasingly popular, but not as safe as you may think
Noticed more and more people puffing on plastic cigarettes? In England, around 3.2 million people are now ‘vaping’, using an electronic cigarette device that creates a vapour to inhale. And the trend is growing – 7.1%* of adults are now thought to vape, a number that’s risen sharply in the past decade. ‘It’s seen as a “healthier alternative” to cigarettes, but it’s one that still contains nicotine,’ says GP and specialist in women’s health Dr Hana Patel**. ‘So it still carries health risks.’ Here’s what you need to know.
WHAT’S DIFFERENT ABOUT E-CIGS?
Unlike traditional cigarettes, there’s no tobacco being burnt when you vape – so you’re not inhaling tar, carbon monoxide and other toxic chemicals that cause the most harm to the body. Instead, a battery heats a coil, which warms a cartridge or tank of vaping liquid made from propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, a flavouring – and nicotine. This creates a vapour that you inhale, giving you the experience of smoking. ‘At the moment, when using a vape that meets regulations, the health risks are smaller than the risk of cigarettes,’ says Dr Patel.
UNDERSTANDING ADDICTION
Vaping is addictive. ‘Anything that contains nicotine can cause addiction,’ says Dr Patel. ‘This means people can crave vaping in the same way they would cigarettes, and also suffer withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop.’ Dr Patel says that because nicotine affects the release of ‘happy’ chemical dopamine, it can affect anxiety and depression, with links being made between vaping and the worsening of these mental health conditions.
AN EASIER FIX
Many people admit to vaping more often than they would have smoked cigarettes. They feel it’s because the average cigarette lasts for about 10 puffs, while a vape cartridge has nearer 600 puffs in it, which can make it harder to put down.
IS YOUR HEALTH AT RISK?
The truth is, as vaping is relatively new, scientists are still learning about the long-term effects. Some of the ingredients in the liquid could potentially be harmful to your lungs in the future. Most health professionals still advise that you should only vape in order to quit cigarettes.
A WAY TO STUB OUT CIGARETTES
Vaping can help smokers quit the habit, as it’s a way of still getting a nicotine hit. It allows people to spend less money, smell more fragrant (because there won’t be an aroma of stale smoke) and stay social. ‘But you should plan to eventually quit vaping too, once you know you won’t be tempted to go back to cigarett
