Is vaping better than smoking?
Tobacco poses clear risks to health and, for this reason, many smokers turn to electronic cigarettes. But is vaping better than smoking for your health?
Tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable death in Spain, despite public health efforts to reduce its use. However, in 2010, small cartridges became popular as a healthier option to quit smoking. We are referring to vape devices, electronic devices with a shape similar to a USB stick, which entered the market with the promise of being safer than traditional cigarettes.
For years, the health effects of vaping have been questioned, although the lack of data has limited understanding of its real impact. Today, new studies suggest that they may not be as safe as initially believed. In this article, we analyse the latest scientific evidence to determine whether vaping is better than smoking.
How do vape devices work and what do we actually inhale?
Vapes consist of a battery, an atomiser, a tank and a liquid cartridge. When inhaled, the battery heats the atomiser and evaporates the liquid. Although it is commonly referred to as “vapour”, what is inhaled is not just water vapour. It is an aerosol that contains chemical compounds that can be very harmful to health.
The compounds that evaporate come from the liquid in the cartridges. These contain propylene glycol —a petroleum derivative— and vegetable glycerine, two components that mimic the smoke and throat irritation caused by tobacco. Vaping may lead to respiratory and lung problems in the long term, according to the American Cancer Society.
In addition, some devices include chemical flavourings, irritating substances and formaldehyde, a compound linked to the development of cancer.
The components of tobacco
A cigarette contains more than 4,000 harmful and carcinogenic substances, according to the Ministry of Health. In addition to affecting smokers, they also affect people exposed to second-hand smoke.
The first harmful components are absorbed during cultivation. The tobacco plant absorbs nitrates, lead, radioactive substances and other metals present in the soil and fertilisers. In addition, the tobacco leaf produces nicotine, the substance responsible for addiction to cigarettes. The World Heart Federation warns that inhaling it in large quantities may cause respiratory, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal problems.
However, the highest concentration of chemical substances is found in tobacco smoke, and at least 70 of them are linked to the development of cancer. In addition, discarded cigarette butts continue to release pollutants that harm the environment.
Furthermore, during tobacco production, additives are added to soften the taste, such as sugars and flavourings. Other substances may also be added to enhance nicotine absorption, such as ammonia.
The health risks of tobacco and vaping
According to the most recent studies, the effects of electronic cigarettes are reduced by 95% compared to those caused by tobacco. However, this does not mean they are risk-free. Evidence indicates that vaping may have health consequences, particularly when use is frequent or begins at an early age.
Vaping among young people, a growing concern
The main risk of vape devices is the age at which their use begins. Increasing numbers of young people and adolescents use these devices due to a low perception of risk and the lack of regulation in the marketing of these products, according to a report by the Ministry of Health.
One of the surveys included in the study, conducted in 2018–2019, revealed that nearly half of Spanish students aged between 14 and 18 had tried electronic cigarettes. Early use has a greater impact on young people’s cognitive health, particularly when nicotine is present, as it may lead to addiction.
In conclusion, is vaping better than smoking?
Although electronic cigarettes contain fewer harmful substances than tobacco, they still cause long-term effects that are not yet fully understood. In addition, most contain high levels of nicotine, which maintains addiction. Therefore, although some people use them to quit smoking, they are not the best solution. There are less harmful options available to quit smoking. It is recommended to consult a doctor for advice and to find the most appropriate method.
Ultimately, from a health perspective, vaping is not better than smoking. The best decision remains to avoid both.
