Nicotine vapes come across as the new kid on the block compared to cigarettes and are, in some ways, radically different, although many of their drawbacks remain familiar. Indeed, nicotine vapes have impacted the world of smoking and nicotine use immensely. In 2021 alone, over 55 million people in the world were vaping e-cigarettes.
Perhaps one of the major differences exists between their mechanism of action. Traditional cigarettes burn tobacco to produce smoke, releasing thousands of chemicals, including tar and carbon monoxide, major contributors to smoking-related illnesses. On the other hand, nicotine vapes use a battery-powered device to heat a liquid containing nicotine, flavoring, and other compounds into a vapor that is inhaled. It does not involve combustion, thus drastically reducing many of the harmful chemicals. A 2019 study by Public Health England estimated that in terms of the toxic chemical exposures, vaping was 95% less harmful compared to smoking.
Cost is another factor in which nicotine vapes often have the upper hand. Though initial vape device cost may be in the range of $20 to $50, ongoing expenses are always somewhat lower than traditional cigarettes. While a pack-a-day smoker in the United States spends an average of $6,500 annually, a regular vape user would probably spend about $1,200 to $2,000 annually for vape juice and coils, depending on use patterns.
Socially, nicotine vaporizers are increasingly perceived as less disruptive compared to conventional cigarettes. Vaping is much more acceptable in smoke-free-banned public locations because very little odor or ash is produced. However, the regulatory regimes are variable, and most countries are indeed working to restrict vape use in order to help prevent under-age use. CDC reported that the use of e-cigarettes among students in high school increased by 78% from 2017 to 2018. This has been used to raise concerns about youth accessibility and long-term effects.
The perceptions related to the health impacts of nicotine vapes are still varied. Although vaping decreases exposure to several toxic chemicals, nicotine itself is addicting and affects cardiovascular health and the brain negatively. According to Dr. Michael Blaha from Johns Hopkins Medicine, “While vaping is less harmful than smoking, it’s not risk-free, and nonsmokers should avoid it completely.”
Another distinctive feature is nicotine delivery. Traditional cigarettes make sure to provide a fast and hard hit of nicotine; whereas nicotine vapes can allow for a more controlled release. That is why vapes have become so popular among quitters because they enable users to gradually reduce the level of nicotine by selecting different concentrations of e-liquids. According to a 2020 Cochrane review, vaping was 70% more effective than nicotine replacement therapy in helping smokers quit.
For many looking for alternatives to smoking, nicotine vapes offer an interesting choice with less harm and more flexibility. Discover more about nicotine vapes and explore available options at nicotine vapes.