Is Vaping Worse Than Smoking? What about Long Term Effects?

There are risks and side effects associated with both vaping and smoking. If you ask how e-cigarette affect your health in the long term, it is too early to say anything. But scientists claim that vaping is not 100% safe. 

In case you don’t know, aerosol contains a lot of toxic chemicals, along with flavoring and nicotine, which you inhale through the electronic cigarette. Teenagers are using e-cigarettes most widely these days. 

Vaping is considered safer by many people as compared to smoking, but it is not true in most cases, according to the AHA. Vaping is found dangerous in most studies. 

Vaping vs. Smoking – Which is Less Risky? 

Some of the most documented long-term effects of cigarettes are elevated risks of heart disease, lung cancer, and stroke. CDC claims that at least 1 of every 5 deaths in the US takes place because of smoking cigarettes.

People who choose to quit smoking consider vaping as their first and easy choice because it seems to be less risky. But it still involves some of the unknown risks, even though you choose e-liquid with 0% nicotine. 

To date, there is still a lack of evidence that can prove any long-term effects of vaping. The long-term effects we are talking about will take decades to show up. On the other side, some adverse effects like heart disease, COPD, and cancer can develop in a few years with cigarettes. 

What is More Dangerous – Secondhand Smoke or Secondhand Vapor?

As compared to secondhand smoke, the secondhand vapor is claimed to be less toxic. However, secondhand vapor still causes health risks as a kind of air pollution. Secondhand vapor has particulate matter, nicotine, and volatile organic compounds at higher levels than recommended, according to a NAP report in 2018. There is still a lack of evidence to fully understand how secondhand vapor can affect your body in the long term. 

What is Juuling?

If you choose a particular brand of e-cigarette for vaping, this process is known as Juuling. It is as risky as vaping to your health. Juul is simply an e-cigarette that is rectangular and thin. You can charge it in a USB port. J-pod or Juulpod is a cartridge that contains e-liquid. It also has nicotine to inhale. 

Is E-Liquid without Nicotine Safe?

No matter whether you choose to add nicotine or not, vaping cannot be safe in any manner. But the risk of addiction is higher with vaping that contains nicotine. According to a study in 2015, people who vape nicotine-based e-cigarette are more likely to be addicted to nicotine as compared to those who don’t use nicotine. 

Young people should avoid nicotine vape because they are more likely to switch to cigarettes sooner or later. Even without nicotine, the e-cigarette is dangerous to your health. There are plenty of chemicals like flavoring agents and base liquids used in nicotine-free e-liquids that are potentially toxic. 

According to studies, nicotine-free e-juice can cause inflammation, respiratory illness, cellular damage, and also affect blood vessels. More research is required to get a complete knowledge of the side effects of vaping without nicotine. 

How to Reduce Side Effects?

• Watch out for the list of ingredients – Ask the manufacturer about the ingredients in your vape liquid. If you don’t get the list, it is a red flag.
• Say no to flavored liquid – Vape liquid without any flavor is less likely to have flavorings that can be toxic.
• Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of water after vaping to avoid dehydration and dry mouth.
• Control nicotine intake – Reduce the levels of nicotine gradually if you want to quit smoking. You can reduce the side effects by switching to nicotine-free vaping.

Always ask your healthcare provider about the risks associated with vaping, especially if you have asthma or other chronic health conditions. If you develop new symptoms related to vaping like problem breathing, coughing, and elevated heart rate, call the doctor.