Ever since the advent of e-cigarettes, or vapes, in the early 2000s, there has been an ongoing health comparison between these newer nicotine delivery devices and traditional cigarettes. Smokers and non-smokers alike have been posing the question: Is vape a safer option, or does it hold similar smoking risks to traditional cigarettes? This article will attempt to answer that by examining from a strictly health perspective, the checkered history of the vape vs cigarettes debate.
Considering the immediate difference between vaping and smoking, vape devices heat up nicotine juice which is then inhaled, as opposed to cigarettes, where dried tobacco is burnt, and the subsequent smoke is inhaled. This method of nicotine delivery has been seen by many as a safer alternative because the major health problems from smoking are often attributed to the byproducts of the combustion process, including tar and other carcinogens.
In regular cigarettes, tar is a sticky brown substance that stains the teeth and fingers of smokers. More importantly, it enters the lungs and over time, reduces their ability to expand and contract, contributing to conditions such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Studies have shown that these issues are not seen in vape users, as the aerosol they inhale does not contain tar.
Despite the seemingly safer profile of vape, it is still not entirely risk-free. Multiple studies show the harmful impact of vaping on lung health. E-cigarette vapour has been found to contain harmful and potentially harmful substances, including heavy metals such as lead, volatile organic compounds, and cancer-causing agents. Furthermore, the higher concentration of nicotine in many vape juices can make vaping just as addictive as traditional smoking.
When it comes to the adverse effects on heart health, both vaping and smoking have a significant impact. Traditional cigarettes have a long-established record of causing cardiovascular diseases, including an increased risk of stroke, heart attack, and heart disease. However, recent studies have also indicated that vaping is not far behind. One study found that e-cigarettes can lead to harmful changes in cholesterol levels and increased oxidative stress, both of which are markers for heart disease.
Another topic of note are “popcorn lungs”, a health risk primarily associated with vaping. This term describes a scarring of the tiny air sacs in the lungs that results in the thickening and narrowing of the airways and leaves the user with the sensation of being unable to get enough air. The condition has been linked to a chemical called diacetyl, which was formerly used in a range of vape juices.
Both vaping and traditional cigarettes have been linked to an increased risk of cancer although the types of cancers can differ. Cigarette smoking has long been associated with numerous cancers, especially lung cancer, throat cancer, and oral cancer. Vaping, on the other hand, has been linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer and lung cancer.
In conclusion, both traditional cigarettes and vapes have their respective health risks. While vaping reduces the exposure to certain harmful substances like tar and some carcinogens, it introduces other risks that are just as hazardous. So whether its due to vape or traditional cigarettes, the continuous inhalation of any foreign substance into the lungs will always hold a level of risk, and complete cessation is the only definitive way to reduce these risks.
One of the major lessons from the vape vs cigarettes debate is the ongoing need for regulation and research. It is crucial to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health and well-being truly. Considering all these findings, the best course of action for anyone concerned about their health and wellness is to refrain from either smoking or vaping and seek out help with cessation if currently using either product.