Vaping: Is it good for you?

Vapes are the electronic devices mainly used to vaporise substances and also used as a replacement of smoking cigarettes. Nicotine vapes are commonly used, mixed with propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, flavours and a very low quantity of nicotine. Some brands also introduced herb vapes to neutralise the health impact of vaping. Typically, it has batteries and heating element to speed up the vaping process. 

All the brands manufacture vapes, highlight the products as a safe replacement of the cigarettes. But some experts opine that vapes have some long-term health issues, so we must stop consuming it. Be it vapes or cigarettes, health is being compromised at every step. Let’s check out some pros and cons of the vapes and learn more about it.

Pros of using vapes

• Vapes produce less stinky odour compared to the traditional cigarettes. So, the smoke is also produced less. That’s why it’s less dangerous for the passive smokers.
• Vapes are considered as a safer option to use in public places as it produces less smoke and smell.
• A few varieties are found, users add them in their vapes. So, the quintessential smoke and smell of the cigarettes won’t reach upto the passive smokers.
• The users can vary the nicotine quantity to be added in their vapes. Its good for the users who want to quit smoking.

Cons of vapes

• Vaping may sound like a good idea, but the long-term health problems are still a growing concern which all the health care givers aren’t aware of. Many doctors opined that, vaping causes cardiovascular and respiratory risks in the long run.
• Some smokers feel that vaping is an ideal alternative to withdraw smoking, but the consumption of nicotine stays here too directly or indirectly. In cigarettes, the individuals cannot increase of decrease the quantity of nicotine, but in vapes, the consumers can increase or decrease the quantity of nicotine consumption.
• Many youngsters are picking vaping at a very early age, and this is leading to the traditional smoking in future. Vaping is not the escape, one has to understand that.
• In countries like, India, UAE, Singapore, Brazil and Thailand, vaping is still banned. So, if anyone is planning to travel to any of these countries cannot carry vapes with them.
• There’s still no confirmation available for the vaping materials used. Many brands cannot claim yet that their products are safe for the consumers.

Countries where vaping is banned

As I mentioned, India, Singapore, Brazil, UAE and Thailand are the countries where vaping is legally not allowed. If you are planning to travel in any of these 5 countries, you have to be careful, or else your vaping materials would be confiscated at the customs in the international airports. In India, traditional smoking is allowed though but not in public places.

Some more countries are picking up vaping as a serious health concerns. So the government of those countries are on their way to either ban vaping or restrict the usage. Awareness about vaping may also help people to understand the pros and cons of vaping. In fact, gradually vaping industry is gearing up the business in certain parts of the world.

Impact of vaping on the environment

• Battery disposal is one of the major impacts we can see on the environment from the usage of vapes. Those batteries cannot be dissolved or recycled, so it’s a complete e-waste for the environment.
• Even if you decide to discard the vapes and buy a new one, then also it will be considered as an e-waste with deep scars on the environment and no fruitful results.
• Lithium-ion battery, atomised cartridges, nicotine, propylene glycol, plastic and metals are some of the materials which are being used by the vape manufacturers. These items cannot be replaced or recycled (as of now), so you can easily point out that these are not environment friendly.
• As you charge the batteries of vapes you are using electricity. This is sheer waste of resources we have with us.

Statistics related to vaping

US and Europe are the biggest vape users. In Asia, China has the largest market for the smokers. NIH found that the use of vapes has increased by almost 900% between 2011 and 2015 in the US. Other vaping statistics says that vaping increased to almost 30 million people all over the world. The number may look small compared to the entire population of the planet, but it’s still a matter of concern. 

In 2023, it was reported that almost 2.13 million students all over the world are into vaping. Among them, e-cigarettes were followed by cigarettes (1.6%), cigars (1.6%), hookah (1.1%), nicotine pouches (1.5%), tobacco products (1%) and many more.

Now if someone talks to you about vaping or the benefits of vaping; I hope you have statistical data present with you to counter your views. Again, it’s a personal choice and through my blog, I’m not trying to influence or create controversy among the smokers. I’m just trying to build a fair image about vaping and vaping industry.