Vaping is considered less harmful than smoking but experts have warned to remain cautious about its long term health effects.
The use of vapes has increased in recent years as products from companies such as Elf Bar and Juul have become a common sight in supermarkets and newsagents.
Electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, look like traditional cigarettes. Vapes come in the form of pens which contain a rechargeable battery and refillable tank.
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Data from pressure group Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) last year argued that 7% of 11-17 year-olds were regular users, compared to 3.3% in 2021. According to the government, it is estimated that adult vaping remains at a similar number.
What substances are in vapes?
E-cigarettes and vapes work by heating a liquid that usually contains nicotine, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, and flavourings. By vaping, you inhale nicotine in a vapour rather than smoke it like a cigarette.
They do not produce tar or carbon monoxide, unlike tobacco smoke.
Is vaping a recommended treatment to quit smoking?
The NHS has said that vaping is "far less harmful" than smoking. It has also cited a study into quitting smoking which found that those who vaped and had face-face support “can be up to twice as likely to succeed as people who used other nicotine replacement products, such as patches or gum”.
However, you cannot receive vapes from your GP.
Does vaping cause popcorn lung?
There have been numerous claims that vaping can cause popcorn lung, a form of lung disease caused by breathing in diacetyl. However, numerous organisations including Cancer Research UK have said that this is not the case.
Some of the liquids in e-cigarettes and vapes used to contain diacetyl, but this has been banned in UK and EU vapes since 2016.
Can vaping affect asthma sufferers?
Vaping is not known to cause asthma. However, according to Asthma + Lung UK, those currently with asthma have said the 'smoke' emitted can irritate their airways.
What is the environmental impact of disposable vapes?
Disposable vapes contain valuable materials such as lithium batteries and copper, as well as plastic. This means they should be recycled, but many are thrown away on the street.
The Director of Public Health for Liverpool, Professor Matthew Ashton, recently called for a ban on disposable vapes. He said: “It would be best for everyone that these were banned due the damage they cause the environment.
He added: “Until that point we would always ask that people dispose of their litter responsibly, and recycle where possible. Littering also costs local authorities money - money which would be better spent on front line services helping the most vulnerable in our communities."
How harmful is vaping long-term?
Given the use of e-cigarettes and vaping is relatively new, not much is known about the long-term effects of using them. The NHS have said on the topic: “Vaping has not been around for long enough to know the risks of long-term use.
"While vaping is substantially less harmful than smoking, it is unlikely to be totally harmless.” The NHS has also advised that non-smokers should not start vaping.
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