Around 2.9 million adults in Great Britain currently use e-cigarettes. Of these, an estimated 1.5 million people have given up smoking cigarettes completely.

There has been some scaremongering among critics of electronic cigarettes, in particular regarding Diacetyl (Popcorn Lung). However, within the UK and the EU various tests are in place to regulate the safety and quality of e-liquids. There is still 85 times more Diacetyl in cigarette smoke than there is in vaping!

E-cigarettes don’t produce two of the most harmful aspects of smoking: tar or carbon monoxide. The liquid and vapour contain some potentially harmful chemicals also found in cigarette smoke but at much lower levels.

In 2015 Public Health England released a research document, The independent evidence review found that, based on the available evidence, vaping is around 95% less harmful than smoking. The Royal College of Physicians came to a similar conclusion in its 2016 report ‘Nicotine without smoke: tobacco harm reduction’.

Second Hand Vapour?

As vapour doesn’t contain the same carcinogenic chemicals found in cigarettes, studies to date show there is no second-hand safety risk to consider, although further studies are continuing.

Cost

It is estimated the average smoker in the UK  spends around £3000 per year on cigarettes. With prices still increasing this amount is only going to go up. The initial start up cost of an e-cigarette can be quite expensive as you will need to purchase a battery, tank and e-liquid. However, the running costs of vaping is significantly lower with the majority of our customers spending on average £15 per week!

Social

With the smoking ban in place smokers have to go outside or to a smoking shelter to smoke. Whereas, with vaping there are many pubs and businesses which allow vapers to stay inside in the warm. (please check with the staff before you use your electronic cigarette as not all places allow this).

Does it leave a smell?

Cigarette smoke tends to linger on clothes and furniture without the smoker even realising how strong the smell is. People who have given up cigarettes are more likely to notice the smell of lingering tobacco than those who smoke. Vapour can have a smell on the exhale and the smell can stay in the air for a short period of time.  Generally speaking the smell of vapour is much nicer than stale cigarettes!

Flavours and Taste

With vaping comes a wide choice of flavours, we stock over 400! Many new vapers choose to start with a traditional tobacco or menthol flavour, however the choice is yours!

Many smokers don’t realise that their sense of taste changed when they started smoking. After quitting the cigarettes within a few days your sense of taste is likely to develop, with food tasting and smelling nicer than ever.

What about nicotine?

The majority of harm from smoking comes from the thousands of chemicals in cigarette smoke, many of which are hazardous. However, nicotine can cause a temporary increase in blood pressure, an increase in heart rate, constrict blood vessels and increases the strength of the heart’s contraction.

Are e-cigarettes safe to use in pregnancy?

There has been little research into vaping whilst pregnant, however it is likely to be significantly less harmful to a pregnant woman and her baby than cigarettes. The Smoking in Pregnancy Challenge Group, which includes the Royal College of Midwives and leading UK baby charities, has produced the following advice:

• If you are pregnant, licensed NRT products such as patches and gum are the recommended option to help you stop smoking. However, if you find using an e-cigarette helpful for quitting and staying smoke free, it is much safer for you and your baby than continuing to smoke.

Do they pose a fire risk?

You may have seen or heard about instances of e-cigarettes exploding or catching fire. The majority of these cases are user error. To manage the risk of fire it is urged that the correct charger be used. Batteries should not be left unattended or charged overnight, the same as all other electrical products.

There are some e-cigarettes which require external batteries; with these batteries it is important to ensure that the wrap has not been damaged as this insulates the battery. These batteries should also not be carried in pockets with metal objects as this may cause serious burns. There is a simple fix to this, keep your batteries in a plastic or silicon case to protect them.

In addition e-cigarettes should not be left charging unattended or overnight. You should buy your e-cigarette products from a reputable retailer to ensure they are compliant with UK safety regulations.

 

 

We’re not doctors and we believe in providing you with the correct information so all the health benefits listed above (including pregnancy) can be found on this link from the NHS