The topic of e-cigarettes and vaping have been in the spotlight for some time now. Most of the media are portraying e-cigarettes and vaping as harmful like tobacco smoking, which is not the case. Many of the claims are biased and lack the support of reliable evidence. Although vaping and the use of e-cigarettes is not entirely risk-free, it is a much safer alternative to smoking tobacco cigarettes. Here are some of the myths and misconceptions that people have about e-cigarettes and vaping and whether they are true or not.
E-Cigarettes Lead to ‘Popcorn Lung’
Popcorn lung, which is also known as bronchiolitis obliterans, is a rare disease that was first noticed among workers in a popcorn factory. The rare disease tends to affect the tiny air sacs in the lungs, which leads to a lack of air movement. E-cigarettes are linked with the disease because of diacetyl, which was used in the ingredients that made up the e-juice liquid. E-liquid used to contain a minimal amount of diacetyl compared to tobacco cigarettes,which does not pose a significant risk for causing the disease. The good news is that diacetyl was prohibited from being used in e-liquids, so users of e-cigarettes should not be worried about getting popcorn lung any time soon.
E-Cigarettes Are Not Properly Regulated and Their Contents are Unknown
The media tends to make many people believe that e-cigs and related products are not regulated. The truth is that e-cigs and other vaping-related products undergo strict regulations before being sold to the public. The products must meet minimum quality standards and are required to be labelled appropriately with relevant information of its contents for the consumer to read. E-cigs must also meet the Health Care Product Regulation Agency Standards before being put to market.
Nicotine in E-cigarettes Makes Them Harmful
Many people tend to think that the nicotine found in cigarettes is the cause of the many health risks and illnesses like cancer that are a result of tobacco cigarettes smoking. Nicotine has minimal health risks and only causes addiction to cigarettes. Other harmful chemicals that are present in conventional cigarettes are the cause of smoking-related diseases like cancer.
Using e-cigs is much safer since they only contain nicotine and some chemicals found in cigarettes but at a much lower level.Harmful chemicals like carbon monoxide and tar are not present in e-cigarettes. It would be best if you considered using e-cigarettes and vaping to aid you in stopping smoking since you can easily purchase cheap vape juice from a trusted brand.
Vaping Vapour is Harmful to Bystanders
Smoking tobacco cigarettes is prohibited in closed and public places since its smoke is unsafe to those near the person who is smoking. However, the law does not prevent the use of e-cigarettes since the vapour it emits is not harmful to bystanders. E-juice mainly contains glycol (propylene and vegetable), flavourings, and nicotine, andthe vapour emitted is only aerosol. Although vaping is legal in closed or public areas, organisations are allowed to set their own rules and regulations on the use of e-cigs on their premises.
Conclusion
E-cigarettes have proven to be quite essential in helping many people quit smoking for good.However, they are not entirely risk-free. Always remember to do proper research and consult a professional if you are thinking of using e-cigs to help you quit smoking. Vaping is different from smoking tobacco cigarettes and people should know the difference and refrain from treating the two as the same.
