Globally, vaping has grown massively in popularity since the first modern e-cigarette was created by Hon Lik in 2003. In 2012 the amount of people who vape in Great Britain stood at less than a million. With a huge jump in popularity, this figure reached 3.6 million reported vapers in 2019. Media and news sources have been certain to pick up on this, with articles giving varying information on the topic. From articles highlighting the success of using vaping as a tool to quit smoking, to articles labelling the increasing popularity as an epidemic. It is unsurprising that many are unsure what to think about vaping. So, what has caused these varying perceptions?
Vaping – a Symbol of Smoking Decline
The proportion of current smokers has declined significantly in the UK. In 2018, the proportion of smokers was at 14.7%, a decrease of more than 5 percentage points since 2011. This positive news may be directly related to the increased popularity of vaping. Research suggests that vaping, alongside face-to-face support, is the most effective method to quit smoking. Therefore, for many individuals vaping has a positive perception. Allowing thousands to kick the dangerous habit of smoking, vaping is somewhat of a symbol representing the smoking decline. Vaping is perceived by many as a sign of hope, as it prevents deadly heath problems and provides an escape from a continuous smoking cycle.
Is Vaping a Less Harmful Alternative to Smoking?
The question at the forefront of the vaping conversation. In 2019, there was a number of deaths, which were caused by e-cigarette or vaping product use associated lung injury (EVALI). This fuelled negative perceptions and lead to the adoption of a sceptical stance for many. The news of this illness was heavily reported on, with many people condemning e-cigarette usage. However, these articles often miss the background and context. The vast majority of people who were diagnosed with this illness were from the US, and found to be using products containing THC. This suggests that the concern should be with vaping unregulated, dangerous substances. In the UK, all vape products are regulated by the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Authority (MHRA). Consequently, there are numerous standards regarding safety, ingredients and packaging products must meet prior to being sold.
Undeniably, there is room for growth in regards to the quantity of research surrounding vaping and it’s impact. For some people, this is enough to think negatively on the subject. High levels of uncertainty often result in people taking on a more cautious approach. However, it is important to note that many reputable bodies, such as the NHS and the British Heart Foundation have confirmed that vaping is substantially less harmful than smoking cigarettes. So much so, that using e-cigarettes is recommended as a tool to quit smoking.
Second Hand Smoke
A horrifying reality for smokers is that they can be putting the people around them at risk. Passive smoking is when people directly surrounding an active smoker inhale secondhand smoke from a cigarette. Inhaling this smoke is extremely harmful. People exposed regularly to secondhand smoke are at an increased risk of diseases such as lung cancer and heart disease.
As the vapour produced by vaping does not produce tobacco, the risks associated with conventional cigarettes do not apply. To no surprise, this topic needs further research. Even despite this, the risk of passive vaping is decidedly much less. The minimal quantity of nicotine released into the atmosphere when vaping is barely comparable to the amount of harmful chemicals cigarettes produce. In terms of perception, this paints a more positive picture. Vaping is often perceived as more accepted in a public setting due to the low secondary risk.
Future Perceptions
It’s impossible to say for sure how perceptions of vaping will evolve in the future. With research and news articles being released at a constant rate, the big picture is continuing to grow. However, key vaping facts must be made clearer. With horror stories circulating the Internet, it’s can be difficult to find the truth. The truth is that vaping is much less harmful, both to the individual and those around them. Vaping is often be demonised, yet it can’t be ignored that for those who are trying to quit smoking this may be the way out.
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Why are perceptions of vaping so diverse? What is the truth?
Globally, vaping has grown massively in popularity since the first modern e-cigarette was created by Hon Lik in 2003. In 2012 the amount of people who vape in Great Britain stood at less than a million. With a huge jump in popularity, this figure reached 3.6 million reported vapers in 2019. Media and news sources have been certain to pick up on this, with articles giving varying information on the topic. From articles highlighting the success of using vaping as a tool to quit smoking, to articles labelling the increasing popularity as an epidemic. It is unsurprising that many are unsure what to think about vaping. So, what has caused these varying perceptions?
Vaping – a Symbol of Smoking Decline
The proportion of current smokers has declined significantly in the UK. In 2018, the proportion of smokers was at 14.7%, a decrease of more than 5 percentage points since 2011. This positive news may be directly related to the increased popularity of vaping. Research suggests that vaping, alongside face-to-face support, is the most effective method to quit smoking. Therefore, for many individuals vaping has a positive perception. Allowing thousands to kick the dangerous habit of smoking, vaping is somewhat of a symbol representing the smoking decline. Vaping is perceived by many as a sign of hope, as it prevents deadly heath problems and provides an escape from a continuous smoking cycle.
Is Vaping a Less Harmful Alternative to Smoking?
The question at the forefront of the vaping conversation. In 2019, there was a number of deaths, which were caused by e-cigarette or vaping product use associated lung injury (EVALI). This fuelled negative perceptions and lead to the adoption of a sceptical stance for many. The news of this illness was heavily reported on, with many people condemning e-cigarette usage. However, these articles often miss the background and context. The vast majority of people who were diagnosed with this illness were from the US, and found to be using products containing THC. This suggests that the concern should be with vaping unregulated, dangerous substances. In the UK, all vape products are regulated by the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Authority (MHRA). Consequently, there are numerous standards regarding safety, ingredients and packaging products must meet prior to being sold.
Undeniably, there is room for growth in regards to the quantity of research surrounding vaping and it’s impact. For some people, this is enough to think negatively on the subject. High levels of uncertainty often result in people taking on a more cautious approach. However, it is important to note that many reputable bodies, such as the NHS and the British Heart Foundation have confirmed that vaping is substantially less harmful than smoking cigarettes. So much so, that using e-cigarettes is recommended as a tool to quit smoking.
Second Hand Smoke
A horrifying reality for smokers is that they can be putting the people around them at risk. Passive smoking is when people directly surrounding an active smoker inhale secondhand smoke from a cigarette. Inhaling this smoke is extremely harmful. People exposed regularly to secondhand smoke are at an increased risk of diseases such as lung cancer and heart disease.
As the vapour produced by vaping does not produce tobacco, the risks associated with conventional cigarettes do not apply. To no surprise, this topic needs further research. Even despite this, the risk of passive vaping is decidedly much less. The minimal quantity of nicotine released into the atmosphere when vaping is barely comparable to the amount of harmful chemicals cigarettes produce. In terms of perception, this paints a more positive picture. Vaping is often perceived as more accepted in a public setting due to the low secondary risk.
Future Perceptions
It’s impossible to say for sure how perceptions of vaping will evolve in the future. With research and news articles being released at a constant rate, the big picture is continuing to grow. However, key vaping facts must be made clearer. With horror stories circulating the Internet, it’s can be difficult to find the truth. The truth is that vaping is much less harmful, both to the individual and those around them. Vaping is often be demonised, yet it can’t be ignored that for those who are trying to quit smoking this may be the way out.
Thinking of quitting smoking? Use our chat function to talk to a vape expert or check out our Starter Vape Kits.
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