The vaping industry is worth a whopping $28.17 billion and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 30.6% from 2023 to 2030. Popular with people of all ages, but especially amongst younger demographics, there is no denying that vaping is having its moment in the spotlight.
However, does anyone understand how vaping works?
Whether you currently vape or you are thinking about switching from tobacco cigarettes to e-cigarettes, it is important that you understand the science behind vaping so that you can make the right choices for you and your health.
How do e-liquids work?
E-liquids are typically made from four ingredients: vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol, flavorings, and nicotine. The ratio of the first two can vary from one e-liquid to another and there are a wide range of different flavors and nicotine strengths to choose from.
Glycerin is a natural substance that can be processed from most types of fat but it is vegetable oil that is used to make this ingredient for vapes. Safe to inhale, non-toxic, and odorless, it has a slightly sweet taste, which is why it is often used in the food industry as a sweetener.
The flavorings used in e-liquids are typically extracted from plants and fruits, making these safe to inhale. That being said, this can vary from one manufacturer to another, so make sure you choose a reputable one, such as Okvape.co.uk, that uses non-toxic ingredients.
Does vaping have side effects?
One of the most commonly asked questions about vaping is “Does it come with any side effects”. Unfortunately, as this is a relatively new product, it is too soon to know for sure. That being said, what has been determined is that vaping is far less harmful than smoking as vapes do not contain cancer-causing tobacco and many other dangerous chemicals that are present in tobacco cigarettes.
If you are new to vaping and you experience any unwanted side effects such as feeling sick, coughing, headaches, or throat irritation, this is normal and should gradually subside over time.
Is passive vaping harmful?
There is no solid evidence that second-hand vapor from e-cigarettes is harmful to others. However, as mentioned above, as vaping is a relatively new phenomenon, more studies into its effects are needed. It is worth noting that passive smoking and passive vaping are not the same, as vapes do not contain tobacco.
Should you switch from smoking to vaping?
If you are a smoker but you would like to give up this unhealthy habit, switching to vaping may be able to help you quit cigarettes for good. Smoking is known to cause around 15 different types of cancer including throat cancer, mouth cancer, and lung cancer, so giving up completely is the best choice for your health.
The beauty of vaping is that it enables you to eliminate tobacco while still satisfying your cravings for nicotine. It is also much more affordable than smoking cigarettes and greatly reduces your risk of cancer.
Photo by Matheus Bertelli.
