A lot of miscommunication and misinformation and misconceptions about vaping are what cause many people to shy away from vaping.
A 2024 study published in JAMA Network Open in the United States reported that 57% of adults who smoke in England believe e-cigarettes are equally or more harmful than traditional cigarettes, while The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that while e-cigarettes expose users to fewer harmful chemicals than burned cigarettes, they are not without risks, especially for youth, young adults, and pregnant women.
Another recent study in 2024 showed that 85% of adult smokers inaccurately believed that vaping was as bad or worse than smoking, an increase of 59% from 10 years ago, despite the Office for Health Improvement & Disparities repeatedly saying that Vaping is 95% safer than smoking.
This already goes to show you the gap in public opinion and and hearsay and numerous misconceptions on vaping against what the stand of health officials and bodies are.
Let us examine some of the more common misconceptions and assess them.
Common misconceptions about vaping
Vaping is as harmful as smoking.
While not completely safe, Vaping is around 95% safer than smoking, according to Public Health England.
Vapes do not produce tar or carbon monoxide, the two main toxic elements in cigarette smoke.
Teenagers and non-smokers are encouraged to vape.
This misconception is very widespread. However, Most new vapers are ex-smokers trying to quit. Vaping is not marketed to non-smokers.
It must be realized that the novelty of vaping due to peers, and social media will always be exposed to teenagers.
Vaping causes "popcorn lung"
No it does not. Popcorn Lung is linked to a chemical called diacetyl, which is banned in UK vape liquids.
In fact, cigarettes contain far more diacetyl than any legal vape product ever did.
Second-hand vapour is as harmful as passive or second-hand smoking.
Current studies show that vapour does not contain toxic chemicals like tobacco smoke.
It dissipates quickly and does not pose a health risk to others nearby.
Nicotine is the primary cause of smoking-related health problems.
No, it isn’t. This is another common myth about vaping. While nicotine is addictive, the real harm in smoking comes from toxins in tobacco smoke, such as tar and carbon monoxide.
Vapes deliver nicotine without those toxic chemicals.
Are News Headlines About Vaping Always True?
No. Many news stories are misleading clickbait. Stories like “Teenager hospitalized and in critical condition after vaping”.
When teenagers are hospitalized due to vaping, the cause is often illegal black-market products or substances like synthetic cannabinoids.
Regulated vapes are not involved.
Read this article on how to vape safely.
Vaping does not help people quit smoking.
Probably the most widespread misconception about vaping there is.
Vaping helps people to quit smoking.
According to the NHS, vaping is the most effective method to quit smoking.
Studies show it is twice as effective as patches or gum.
Vaping and Vape products are unregulated
Vape products in the United States are regulated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).
The Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) oversees these rules.
Every vape product must follow Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA) guidelines.
This means companies must prove their products are safe and meet FDA standards before selling them.
The FDA also monitors nicotine levels, ingredients, labels, and packaging to protect users.
Legal vape products are not the same as black-market or unregulated vapes.
What stops you from vaping?
Vaping is safer than smoking and has helped millions of people quit smoking in the United States.
If you’re still unsure, are are confused by all the misconceptions and myths out there, there are numerous reliable and trusted sources for accurate information on vaping, including the FDA and CTP (Center for tobacco products).
Buy disposable vapes and get on the road to quitting today.
