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Numerous studies have shown that vaping is significantly less harmful than smoking. Vaping involves inhaling vapor instead of smoke, which contains far fewer toxic chemicals. Vapour contains only a small fraction of the chemicals found in tobacco smoke and at much lower doses. Research indicates that the risk of lung cancer from vaping is estimated to be 50,000 times less than from smoking due to the absence of tar and other harmful combustion products found in cigarette smoke. Additionally, unlike cigarette smoke, vapor does not contain monoamine oxidase inhibitors, which are known to enhance the addictive potential of nicotine. [Source: Public Health England], [Source: National Center for Biotechnology Information], [Source: King’s College London, American Cancer Society, Drug Watch, Lung Cancer Risk Comparison Study]

Research indicates that while some young people who vape may go on to smoke, the majority do not. Most vaping by young never-smokers is experimental and short-term. Regular vaping is uncommon. The net effect of youth vaping at a population level is to displace smoking. Additionally, comprehensive studies such as the National Youth Tobacco Survey have reported that the majority of youth vaping is experimental and does not transition to regular smoking. The fear that vaping is a gateway to smoking lacks strong empirical support, as smoking rates continue to decline even as vaping among youth has become more common. [Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention], [Source: National Drug Strategy Household Survey]

There is no evidence that vaping causes popcorn lung. The concern arose from diacetyl, a chemical once used in some e-liquids. Although diacetyl is associated with popcorn lung, its levels in vape products are significantly lower compared to cigarette smoke. Most reputable vaping brands have eliminated diacetyl from their products in response to health concerns. Cigarette smokers are exposed to over ten times as much diacetyl as people who vape, yet smoking has not been linked to 'popcorn lung.' It is crucial to distinguish between the chemical composition of vapor and cigarette smoke to understand the associated health risks accurately. [Source: American Lung Association], [Source: Oxford Academic], [Additional information on diacetyl levels in smoke vs. vapor: Lung Cancer Risk Comparison Study]

Several studies have shown that vaping can be more effective than traditional nicotine replacement therapies for quitting smoking. Vaping is at least as effective as any other quitting method and is the most popular method for quitting smoking in Australia. Research shows that e-cigarettes are a practical cessation tool, which can significantly increase the quit rates among smokers compared to those using other nicotine replacement therapies. Studies by Public Health England and recent Cochrane reviews highlight the role of e-cigarettes in harm reduction and smoking cessation strategies. These reports conclude that smokers who switch to vaping are more likely to quit than those using traditional cessation methods. [Source: Cochrane Review], [Source: Public Health England], [Source: Africanews]

The lung injuries attributed to EVALI were primarily associated with the use of illicit THC cartridges. Standard nicotine vaping products have not been linked to EVALI. [Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention], [Source: King’s College London], [Source: Oxford Academic]

If vaping were a gateway to smoking, an increase in vaping would correlate with an increase in smoking rates. However, data shows that smoking rates continue to decline as vaping increases. Most youth vaping is experimental and does not lead to regular smoking. This indicates that rather than serving as a gateway, vaping is more often a substitute for smoking. Research supports that vaping can displace smoking, especially among youth, contributing to the overall decline in smoking rates. [Source: NHS Digital], [Source: CDC], [Source: National Drug Strategy Household Survey]

Contrary to common misconceptions, vaping is generally less addictive than smoking. Traditional cigarettes are specifically designed to deliver nicotine rapidly and efficiently to the brain, enhancing their addictive potential with each puff. In contrast, vaping devices release nicotine more slowly and less effectively, which may reduce dependency. Additionally, e-cigarettes lack many harmful chemicals present in cigarette smoke—such as ammonia, benzene, and formaldehyde—that contribute to the addictive nature of traditional cigarettes. Moreover, vaping does not involve tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs), known carcinogens found in cigarettes, further indicating a lower addictive potential. This suggests that the risk and severity of nicotine dependence from vaping are lower than from smoking cigarettes. [Sources: CAMH, ScienceDaily, BMC, American Cancer Society, Drug Watch, Public Health England]

A common misconception is that a single disposable vape contains as much nicotine as 50 cigarettes. In reality, a UK standard disposable vape with the highest legal nicotine concentration of 20 mg/ml and a volume of 2 ml delivers a total of 40 mg of nicotine. This amount is equivalent to the nicotine delivered by smoking about one pack of cigarettes, not 50. The efficiency of nicotine delivery in vaping is also generally lower than smoking, which means less nicotine is absorbed by the body. [Source: Oxford Academic], [Source: CDC]

Concerns regarding nicotine impacting the brain development of adolescents are often highlighted, but the evidence particularly related to vaping is not definitive. While nicotine can be addictive and influence brain circuits related to attention, learning, and impulse control, the levels of nicotine delivered via vaping are considerably lower than those used in animal studies demonstrating harmful effects. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), which also uses nicotine, is deemed safe and is even recommended for young people looking to quit smoking by numerous health authorities. Thus, vaping, which delivers nicotine in controlled amounts similar to NRTs, should be viewed under similar considerations. [Source: WHO], [Source: American Academy of Pediatrics]

The common perception that children primarily vape because of flavored e-liquids overlooks more significant factors such as curiosity and peer influence. While flavors do make vaping products more appealing, research indicates that the initial curiosity about the act of vaping and the influence of peers are stronger drivers for children to try vaping. Comprehensive studies, including those from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, underscore the role of social dynamics over flavors as primary motivators. Moreover, measures to limit flavors in vaping products have not substantially altered the initial experimentation rates among youth, suggesting that reducing youth vaping requires addressing broader social and behavioral factors. [Source: NIH MedlinePlus], [Source: National Drug Strategy Household Survey]

The claim that vaping causes seizures is primarily based on anecdotal evidence and instances of nicotine poisoning from ingestion rather than inhalation. For example, the referenced case of a young child suffering from seizures involved the accidental ingestion of liquid nicotine, not from vaping itself. Such incidents highlight the importance of secure storage and accurate labeling of e-liquids to prevent accidental poisoning. Research has not established a causal link between the typical use of e-cigarettes and seizures. Further examination and reviews, such as those conducted by Professor Neal Benowitz, indicate that seizures are not a consistent risk associated with vaping, suggesting that the risks are often overstated. [Source: ANU Study], [Source: Case Report], [Source: Washington Post Article]

Dakota Stephenson, a teenager in Australia, was hospitalized with severe lung issues initially suspected to be EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury). However, further medical evaluation indicated that the evidence to support a diagnosis of EVALI was insufficient, and doctors suggested that an alternative explanation was far more likely. This case underscores the importance of thorough medical assessment and cautions against premature conclusions about the risks associated with vaping. Therefore, this case should not be regarded as conclusive evidence for EVALI occurring in Australia. [Source: ABC News], [Source: 7 News], [Source: News.com.au], [Source: Medical Journal of Australia]

While there have been reported cases of e-cigarettes exploding, these incidents are relatively rare and often linked to improper use or defective batteries. It is crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions and to regularly inspect the device for damage to minimize this risk. Proper handling and storage, such as avoiding exposure to extreme temperatures and using recommended chargers, are essential safety measures that can significantly reduce the likelihood of such accidents. [Source: FDA]