Dispelling more false information about vaping.
In this article...
There are a lot of myths and misinformation related to vaping. Even though experts such as the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID, previously Public Health England), the NHS, ASH and Cancer Research UK. Let’s bust some more of these vaping myths!
Vaping is as or more harmful than smoking
Since vaping began in 2008, there has been the misconception that it’s as harmful as smoking. Also, the latest annual Action on Smoking Health (ASH) report shows that 4 in 10 smokers think this. It clearly shows that not enough advice is being given. If the government still plan to promote vaping as a stop smoking tool, they need to improve public perceptions and educate people. OHID (formerly Public Health England) insist that vaping is 95% healthier than smoking.
Vaping causes EVALI
In 2019, the media was rife with articles about vaping related deaths and injuries in the USA, E-cigarette and Vaping Associated Lung Injury (EVALI). But, it turns out that it was the liquid that was to blame. Most of the 2500+ people affected vaped THC containing juice that included vitamin E acetate, which caused the damage. In the UK, these additives are illegal thanks to our Tobacco and Related Products Regulations (TRPR). The media focus and misinformation of these events greatly affected public perceptions of vaping.
Flavours are the reason for underage vaping
Youth vaping is a problem across the world. According to health officials and the media, the main reasons for this dramatic increase in underage users are the bright packaging and sweet flavours. Research suggests the main reason for use by children is ‘to give it a try’ or peer pressure.
Disposables have as much nicotine as 50 cigarettes
The claim that disposable vapes contain as much nicotine as 50 cigarettes has been repeated by media outlets such as The Times and The Mail. A typical cigarette contains roughly 10-15 mg or 200-300 mg per pack of 20. That’s a big difference from the 40 mg found in a 2% disposable.
Perhaps they were referring to the amount of nicotine absorbed by the body, as most of it is lost in the smoke. But, even when this is taken into account, one disposable equals 20 cigarettes.
Nicotine causes cancer
Tobacco smoke contains hundreds of carcinogens, the chemicals linked with cancer. But, it’s a common misconception that nicotine is the danger. 89% of adult UK smokers think that nicotine may cause cancer. More of a concern is that 4 out of 5 US doctors think nicotine is a carcinogen, according to a study. It is highly addictive, and it’s a stimulant like caffeine, but it definitely doesn’t cause cancer.
That concludes our latest myth busting session! If you’d like any advice about anything vaping, feel free to contact us.
