What is vaping? Benefits? Side effects? How does it work?

In recent years, vaping has become a common sight in many parts of the world, especially among teenagers.

Some celebrate the introduction of these “smokeless” nicotine products as a safe alternative to cigarettes, cigars and other tobacco products.

The devices do not emit the same carcinogenic tar and toxins as burning tobacco leaves.

But what are they? What do they contain? Does vaping get you high? Are they really safe? And how do they compare to cigarettes?

Here you will find facts about vaping based on scientific evidence and research, as well as information on whether e-cigarettes can be used as a smoking cessation aid.

What is vaping? What does vaping do?

Vaping is the inhalation and exhalation of an aerosol produced by a vapor product, such as an electronic cigarette.

Vaping does not involve combustion like cigarette smoking. The device heats an e-liquid into an aerosol, vapor or cloud.

The term “vaping” also refers to the inhalation of cannabis aerosols produced by products other than the nicotine products described on this page.

What are vaping devices? Components of a vape pen

Vaping devices are also commonly referred to as vapes, vape pens, electronic cigarettes, e-cigarettes, carts, mods, e-shishas, ​​sub-ohms, tank systems and more.

Although the products were originally developed to help smokers quit, tempting flavors such as mango, mint and tutti frutti have also attracted young people and non-smokers, and their popularity far surpasses that of cigarette smoking among today's youth.

Vapes come in many shapes and sizes. They can look like cigarettes, cigars, pipes, pens, USB sticks, or other shapes.

However, regardless of their design and appearance, these devices generally function in a similar way and consist of similar components.

Most types of vaporizers have:

Cartridge: A cartridge, tank or capsule that contains liquid. It can be refillable or disposable.

Atomizer: A heating element to convert the liquid into breathable vapor.

Battery: A part for supplying power to the heating element.

Mouthpiece: Where you inhale the steam.

History of the vaping device

Vaping dates back to the invention of the modern “e-cigarette” (as it was then called) by Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik. This led to the development of today’s popular vapes and e-cigarettes.

In 2004, a vaping product was first introduced in China; within a few years, later variants of it were introduced worldwide.

How do vapes work?

Vapes or vaping devices consist of a mouthpiece, a battery, a cartridge containing a liquid or dry material, and a heating element.

When you press the button or simply inhale through the mouthpiece, the battery and heating element are turned on. The heat turns the liquid or dry material into vapor. The vapor is then inhaled by the user.

What is vape juice and what does it contain?

The e-liquid (also called e-juice) in a vape product contains a combination of ingredients, usually including nicotine, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, flavors, and other chemicals.

1. Nicotine

Nicotine (usually in tobacco concentrate form) is the main psychoactive ingredient in tobacco products and makes them habit-forming.

It is a stimulant that speeds up the flow of messages between the brain and the body.

2. Propylene glycol

Propylene glycol (PG) is a common ingredient in vaping products such as e-cigarettes and vape juices.

PG acts as a base for many e-liquids and, when heated, contributes to the generation of vapor in the device.

3. Vegetable glycerin

Vegetable glycerin (VG) is a plant-based ingredient commonly used in e-liquids for vaping.

Its first function is to ensure that the other ingredients of the liquid nicotine extracts and the individual flavors are evenly mixed throughout the mixture.

But perhaps the more important feature of USP grade vegetable glycerin solutions is their remarkable cloud-forming ability.

4. Flavors

Flavor concentrates essentially provide you with the flavor blends of your favorite e-liquids.

Popular e-liquid flavors include tobacco flavors, fruit flavors, beverage flavors, candy flavors, mint flavors, and many others.

Does vaping get you high?

When you vape e-liquids that contain nicotine, you may get an instant high or buzz.

This is because nicotine is a mild stimulant, just like coffee. It can make you more focused and alert, but for other people it can have a calming or sedative effect.

The nicotine rush from vaping is similar to that from smoking tobacco cigarettes.

Smoking vs. vaping: which is better?

Although it is not without risks, vaping is generally less harmful than smoking.

Both vaping and smoking release nicotine, but the greatest damage is caused by the combustion of the tobacco.

Smoking involves burning tobacco leaves, producing smoke that contains poisons, toxic metals and carcinogens that enter the body with each puff.

When vaping, you inhale vapor instead of smoke. When vaping, users are exposed to far fewer toxins and in smaller amounts than when smoking cigarettes.

In addition, vaping is seen as a more convenient alternative to smoking traditional tobacco cigarettes because many vaping devices are refillable, easy to use, and easier to conceal.

Side effects of vaping: Is vaping harmful?

Vaping can cause respiratory problems, organ damage, addiction and other illnesses.

Furthermore, vapes are still relatively new and more research over a longer period of time is needed to estimate possible long-term effects.

1. Nicotine addiction

E-cigarettes contain nicotine, a drug that is highly addictive and can be difficult to quit.

In addition, nicotine can impair brain development and potentially harm teenagers and young adults.

For your information, nicotine has even been found in some “nicotine-free” e-cigarettes.

2. Anxiety and depression

Nicotine worsens anxiety and depression. It also impairs memory, concentration, self-control and attention, especially in developing brains.

3. Breathing problems

Vapes can cause side effects such as throat and mouth irritation, headaches, coughing, and nausea.

For example, if you have asthma, the aerosol from an e-cigarette can irritate your throat and lungs.

Fortunately, these side effects tend to subside over time with continued use.

4. Organ damage

In addition to nicotine, the vapor from e-cigarettes usually contains propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin.

These are substances that are used to create stage or theater fog and, when exposed to concentrated levels, have been proven to increase irritation of the lungs and respiratory tract.

In addition, heating these substances creates new chemicals that may be unsafe to inhale.

For example, the heating process can produce chemicals such as formaldehyde and other contaminants such as nickel, tin and aluminum.

5. Cancer risk

Cancer is definitely a concern because vaping releases a variety of chemicals into the lungs.

Some pollutants contained in e-cigarette vapor are associated with an increased risk of cancer.

The aerosol that e-cigarette users inhale and exhale can expose both themselves and bystanders to harmful substances.

6. Become a smoker

Young people who use e-cigarettes are more likely to start smoking regular (tobacco) cigarettes and may also be more likely to develop other addictions in the future.

Can vaping help a person quit smoking?

Some people believe that e-cigarettes can reduce nicotine cravings in people who want to quit smoking.

For adult smokers who do not want to quit and switch to less harmful alternatives, these vape products usually contain nicotine and offer a taste and experience that is acceptable to existing smokers.

However, e-cigarettes are not an FDA-approved smoking cessation aid, and there is no conclusive scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of vaping for long-term smoking cessation.

The best solution remains to completely abstain from cigarettes and nicotine.

Does nicotine cause lung cancer?

Nicotine is the chemical that makes cigarettes addictive. However, it is not responsible for the harmful effects of smoking, nor does it cause cancer.

Alternatives to quitting smoking and vaping?

Nicotine patches are very helpful for a small amount of nicotine around the clock and nicotine gum is also extremely helpful against cravings when used correctly.

In addition, each person has different needs and should consult their doctor to create an appropriate plan.

Diploma

Vapes are known by many different names and sometimes people find it difficult to understand what there is to really know about these devices.

Here we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about vaping and vaping devices.

You may be tempted to switch to e-cigarettes to ease the transition from traditional cigarettes to quitting smoking.

Nicotine vaping is much less harmful than smoking. It is also one of the most effective ways to quit smoking.

Vaping is not completely safe and we only recommend it to adult smokers to help them quit and stick with the habit.