Vaping: Frequently asked questions

Vaping has gained widespread popularity across the globe in recent years. But what are vapes? Are they safe? How do they compare to regular cigarettes? What's inside them? And is it okay to vape indoors?

Each vaping device has its own details, so it's important to know about your specific one. In an effort to provide clarity, we have addressed some frequently asked questions below.

1. What is Vaping? 

Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling the vapor produced by an electronic cigarette or similar device. These devices, commonly known as vapes or e-cigarettes, heat a liquid (usually containing nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals) to create an aerosol, which is then inhaled. Vaping should only be considered as an alternative to smoking traditional cigarettes.

2. Who invented vaping?

The modern electronic cigarette, or vape, was invented by a Chinese pharmacist named Hon Lik. He created the first commercially successful e-cigarette in 2003. The motivation behind his invention was personal, as he wanted to find a less harmful alternative to smoking after his father, a heavy smoker, passed away from smoking-related illnesses. The device gained popularity over the years and eventually led to the development of various types of vaping devices and products.

3. Is vaping safe?

The safety of vaping remains a subject of ongoing research and debate. While vaping is widely regarded as less harmful than smoking traditional cigarettes, it is not risk-free.

The aerosol produced by vaping, often referred to as vapor, contains fewer harmful chemicals than the smoke from burning tobacco, but they are not entirely free of harmful substances. Most e-liquids contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can have negative effects on the brain, particularly in young people. Other chemicals in vaping products, such as propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and various flavoring agents, may have unknown long-term health consequences. Some flavoring compounds, such as diacetyl, have been linked to lung diseases like bronchiolitis obliterans (often called popcorn lung).

Short-term effects of vaping can include irritation of the throat and lungs, increased heart rate, and nausea. Some users also report experiencing "vape tongue," a temporary loss of taste due to excessive vaping. In rare cases, severe lung injuries (such as EVALI – E-cigarette or Vaping Use-Associated Lung Injury) have been reported, often linked to illicit or unregulated vaping products containing harmful additives like vitamin E acetate.

Because vaping has only been widely used for a relatively short time, its long-term health effects are not fully understood. Experts generally recommend that non-smokers avoid vaping, as the potential risks outweigh any perceived benefits. For those considering vaping as a tool for smoking cessation, it is best to consult a healthcare professional to explore safe and effective options.

It's important for individuals to make informed decisions, and those who do not smoke or use tobacco products are generally advised not to start vaping. If someone is considering using vaping as a smoking cessation tool, it's recommended to consult with healthcare professionals to explore the potential benefits and risks based on individual health conditions.

According to a study from Public Health England e-cigarettes are safer than smoking.

4. Is vaping addictive?

Yes, vaping can be addictive, primarily due to the presence of nicotine in many e-liquids. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance found in tobacco, and it is one of the main reasons people become dependent on cigarettes and other tobacco products.

Vaping devices, especially those designed to help people quit smoking, often contain nicotine in varying concentrations. When individuals use these devices, they inhale the nicotine-infused aerosol, which can lead to the development of a dependence on nicotine.

All our products are offered in a nicotine free variant.

5. Is nicotine bad for you?

Nicotine itself is not entirely benign, and it can have both short-term and long-term effects on health. Here are some considerations regarding the potential health effects of nicotine:

  1. Addiction: Nicotine is known to be addictive, and dependence on nicotine can develop with regular use. This addiction is a significant concern, as it can lead to continued tobacco or nicotine product use.
  2. Cardiovascular Effects: Nicotine can contribute to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. These effects can potentially pose risks, especially for individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.
  3. Impact on Developing Brains: In adolescents and young adults, nicotine can adversely affect brain development. The brain continues to develop until around the age of 25, and exposure to nicotine during this period may have lasting effects on cognitive functions and attention.
  4. Pregnancy Risks: Nicotine use during pregnancy is associated with increased risks of preterm birth, low birth weight, and developmental issues in the newborn.

It's important to note that many of the health risks associated with nicotine come from its delivery through traditional tobacco products, such as cigarettes, which contain numerous other harmful chemicals produced during combustion. When it comes to vaping, the risks associated with nicotine use are generally considered to be lower than those associated with smoking, but they are not nonexistent. Additionally, non-smokers are generally advised not to start using nicotine products.

6. Is vaping healthier than cigarettes?

Vaping is often considered a potentially less harmful alternative to smoking traditional cigarettes, primarily because electronic cigarettes do not involve the combustion of tobacco. However, it's crucial to note that "less harmful" does not mean "risk-free," and the health impact of vaping is still a subject of ongoing research. 

7. What's inside the liquid i'm inhaling

The vapor generated during vaping consists primarily of vaporized water and the components present in the e-liquid. The specific ingredients in each vaping product can vary, so it's advisable to review the ingredient list provided with your particular product. You can also learn more about the most common ingredients in our article.

8. Can I vape indoors?

Whether you can use a vape indoors depends on the specific rules and regulations of the location you are in. Vaping is generally not allowed in indoor spaces where smoking is prohibited, and policies vary from place to place. Many public places, workplaces, restaurants, and public transportation systems have restrictions on vaping similar to those for smoking.

It's essential to be aware of and respect the rules of the specific indoor environment you are in. If you are unsure, it's recommended to ask the staff or check for posted signs indicating the vaping policy. Additionally, local laws and regulations may dictate where vaping is allowed or prohibited, so it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the rules in your area.

9. Do vaping cause cancer just like tobacco cigarettes?

Though testing by the FDA and some researchers have discovered trace amounts of tobacco-specific nitrosamines, which are known to cause cancer with high exposure, the amounts found were extremely low and unlikely to cause cancer. To put it in perspective, an e-cigarette contains nearly the exact same trace levels of nitrosamines as the FDA-approved nicotine patch and about 1,300 times less nitrosamines than a Marlboro cigarette. This means that e-cigarettes would not be any more likely to cause cancer than FDA-approved nicotine gums, patches or lozenges.

10. Can vaping help me quit smoking?

Vaping devices and e-cigarettes are not approved to be marketed as nicotine cessation products like the nicotine gums and patches on the market. However, that doesn't mean that some smokers haven't found them an effective way to wean from nicotine. There is also a lot of real-world evidence and even some studies that strongly indicate that e-cigarettes are an effective alternative to smoking. Surveys show that up to 80% of e-cigarette users quit smoking traditional cigarettes while using e-cigarettes. One study showed e-cigarettes worked at least as well as the nicotine patch for nicotine replacement therapy.

However, while some users have gradually reduced the nicotine levels down to zero, the majority of e-cigarette users treat the devices as an alternate source of nicotine and not as a nicotine cessation program. So there is not as much scientific evidence yet that show how effective e-cigarettes are when used to treat or cure nicotine addiction. Yet, anecdotal reports by users who have used e-cigarettes as a way to wean from nicotine also indicates they seem to be very effective way to break smoking triggers and dramatically reduce nicotine levels. As with pharmaceutical NRTs, it depends upon the smoker and the strength of his or her addiction and resolve to quit. E-cigarettes also appear to be a much safer option for short-term use in the event of relapse.

The good news is, nicotine by itself has very low health risks, so switching to e-cigarettes can be nearly as good as quitting altogether. The most important thing for those who cannot or will not quit nicotine to do is to stop the exposure to the harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke and e-cigarettes can help them do it.

11. How Does Vaping Affect Young People?

Vaping among teenagers has become a growing public health concern worldwide. Many young users perceive vaping as a safer alternative to smoking, but the reality is that nicotine, even in vape products, is highly addictive and can have serious effects on adolescent brain development.

  1. Nicotine and Brain Development:
    The human brain continues to develop until the mid-20s. Nicotine exposure during adolescence can negatively impact memory, attention, and learning by altering the way brain cells form connections. It may also increase susceptibility to other substance use later in life.
  2. Increased Risk of Addiction:
    Many vape products contain high concentrations of nicotine, sometimes even more than traditional cigarettes. Some disposable vapes can have as much nicotine as a full pack of cigarettes. Because young brains are more sensitive to nicotine, addiction can develop more rapidly than in adults.
  3. Gateway to Tobacco and Other Substances:
    Studies suggest that young people who start vaping are more likely to transition to smoking traditional cigarettes compared to those who do not vape. This "gateway effect" raises concerns about long-term nicotine dependence and associated health risks.
  4. Misleading Marketing and Flavors:
    Many vaping products are marketed in ways that appeal to youth, including sweet flavors like cotton candy, mango, and bubblegum. This has contributed to the popularity of vaping among teens who might not otherwise use nicotine.
  5. Mental Health Concerns:
    Some studies have linked vaping with increased anxiety, depression, and mood disorders in adolescents. Nicotine can disrupt neurotransmitter function, potentially exacerbating mental health conditions.
  6. Lung and Respiratory Health Risks:
    While vaping is often seen as "just vapor," it actually produces an aerosol that can contain harmful chemicals, including heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, and flavoring agents that may cause lung irritation and long-term respiratory issues.

Youth Vaping Statistics (Recent Data):

How to Address Youth Vaping:

For parents and educators, resources are available to help guide conversations with teens about vaping and its risks.

Sources:
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) – Vaping Among Teens
Truth Initiative – The Impact of Vaping on Mental Health

12. Is Secondhand Vapor Harmful?

Secondhand exposure to vaping, often referred to as passive vaping, is a growing concern, especially in enclosed spaces. Unlike traditional cigarette smoke, which contains thousands of harmful chemicals, vape aerosol is often perceived as harmless "water vapor"—but this is a misconception.

What’s in Secondhand Vapor?

When someone exhales vapor from an e-cigarette, it releases ultrafine particles, nicotine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other chemicals into the air. Some of these substances, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and heavy metals (like lead and nickel), can be harmful when inhaled over time.

Who Is Most at Risk from Secondhand Vaping?

  1. Children and Infants – Their lungs are still developing, making them more vulnerable to airborne chemicals. Nicotine exposure in young children can also negatively impact brain development.
  2. Pregnant Individuals – Secondhand nicotine exposure may affect fetal development, increasing the risk of low birth weight and premature birth.
  3. People with Respiratory Conditions (e.g., Asthma, COPD) – Vape aerosols can trigger lung irritation, inflammation, and breathing difficulties, even in those who have never vaped.
  4. Non-Vapers in Enclosed Spaces – In poorly ventilated areas like cars, offices, and small rooms, the concentration of vape particles increases, making exposure more significant.

How Does Secondhand Vapor Compare to Secondhand Smoke?

While vaping generally produces fewer toxic chemicals than cigarette smoke, secondhand vapor is not risk-free. Cigarette smoke contains high levels of carbon monoxide and tar, which are absent in vaping aerosols, but both expose bystanders to nicotine and other harmful substances.

What Can Be Done to Reduce Exposure?

While research on long-term secondhand vaping exposure is still ongoing, health organizations advise minimizing exposure, particularly for vulnerable individuals.

Sources:
https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/moderate-levels-secondhand-smoke-deliver-nicotine-brain

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5406907/

13 Is Vaping Safe During Pregnancy?

No, vaping is not safe during pregnancy. Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which can harm fetal brain and lung development, increase the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth, and affect the baby’s nervous system. Even nicotine-free vapes may contain toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and flavoring agents that could be harmful to the developing fetus.

Health experts strongly advise pregnant individuals to avoid vaping and seek safer alternatives to quit smoking, such as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) under medical supervision.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/maternal-infant-health/pregnancy-substance-abuse/e-cigarettes.html

If you are new to vaping and want to know more about the products, then check out our product information guides.