What is More Harmful: Vaping or Cigarettes?

Introduction

Is it more dangerous to smoke a vape or traditional cigarettes? Since the introduction of e-cigarettes to the market, this question has frequently appeared in the media and has been widely discussed in society, particularly in the context of combating tobacco addiction. E-cigarettes are often marketed as less harmful than traditional tobacco smoking and are promoted as a safer alternative to conventional cigarettes. However, there is no solid scientific basis for this positioning. The lack of adequate legal regulation of the sale and use of vapes, coupled with aggressive marketing that reinforces their "safe" status, has led to a significant increase in vaping, especially among teenagers.

Comparing Vaping and Smoking

Arguments in Favor of Vaping:

Purified Nicotine:

• Liquids used in vapes contain purified nicotine, which is less toxic compared to nicotine in tobacco leaves.
• Research indicates that smoking one cigarette raises nicotine concentration in the blood ten times more than an average dose from a vape.

Frequent Usage:

• E-cigarettes are often used continuously, leading to more frequent inhalation of vapor containing toxic substances.
• This frequent usage results in similar nicotine concentration in the blood, regardless of the smoking method.

Potential Risks of Vaping:

Additives in Vape Liquids:

• Many additives are safe at storage temperatures but form toxic substances when heated.
• These toxic substances include flavor and aroma additives, which can harm health.

Inhalation of Heavy Metals:

• Both vaping and smoking involve inhaling heavy metals.
• Carcinogenic substances found in both tobacco mixtures and e-liquids include benzene, cadmium, arsenic, nickel, chromium, and vinyl chloride.

Health Risks

Health Issues Related to Vaping:

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD):

• Cases of COPD caused by vaping have been reported.

Impact on Teenagers:

• Vaping is especially dangerous for teenagers.
• Preservatives in vape liquids can stunt the development of their respiratory systems, leading to serious health issues later on.

Health Issues Related to Smoking:

Inhalation of Toxic Substances:

• Smoking traditional cigarettes introduces numerous harmful substances into the body.

Increased Risk of Disease:

• Smoking is a major cause of diseases such as lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses.

Conclusion

It is impossible to declare one better or worse: vaping or traditional cigarettes. Both smoking and vaping can equally harm a person's health. Therefore, it's essential to consider the risks associated with both methods and make informed decisions regarding their use.

Sources:

https://www.bechterev.ru/obshenie/blog/item/chto-vrednee-veyp-ili-sigarety/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_effects_of_electronic_cigarettes