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Is Vaping Safe?

The question of whether vaping is safe or not is an extremely relevant topic currently. The research that has been carried out currently shows that e-cigarettes and vapes are 95% less harmful than smoking.

At The Electronic Cigarette Company, we understand that there are a wealth of anecdotes pertaining to vaping success stories and how making the switch to electronic cigarettes has completely changed peoples lives. But we also know that nothing can answer the question ‘Is Vaping Safe?’ better than a credible source.

Let’s take a look at UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Cancer Research UK[1], who have both spoken out about the benefits of vaping. 

UK Health Security Agency Conduct Ground Breaking E-cigarette Study 

UK Health Security Agency Logo

The report was put together and compiled by several academics, including Professor Anne McNeil[2] from Kings College London and Professor Hajek from The London School of Medicine.

Professor Peter Hajek said, “My reading of the evidence is that smokers who switch to vaping remove almost all the risks smoking poses to their health.” This must be one of the strongest positive statements regarding e-cigarettes by an academic to date.

When discussing the gateway theory of vaping leading to smoking, the report stated: We strongly suggest that use of the gateway terminology be abandoned until it is clear how the theory can be tested in this field.

Professor Anne McNeil concluded, “There is no evidence that e-cigarettes are undermining England’s falling smoking rates. Instead, the evidence consistently finds that e-cigarettes are another tool for stopping smoking and in my view, smokers should try vaping and vapers should stop smoking entirely.”

UKHSA State Vaping is 95% Safer Than Smoking. But What Does This All Mean For Vapers? 

What this means for vapers is that we finally have confirmation of what we already believed to be true; vaping is a much safer alternative to smoking. It allows anyone that may have been unsure to breathe (quite literally) easier, knowing that belief is now backed by the most trusted health authority in the UK.

The report itself should be widely welcomed and applauded. It is fantastic news that this report has been put together, but what we need to see next is how this report will impact upon the Public Health policies of the UK. Will this create a positive change in attitude towards e-cigarettes?

The report also mentions Totally Wicked and the Article 20 legal challenge but will not, unfortunately, make the TRPR disappear in a puff of blue smoke. The evidence shown by the UK Health Security Agency proves once again that the TRPR regulations need to be treated carefully and with consideration.

In Summary, What Does The PHE E-cigarette Study Tell Us? 

The Key findings of the report include:

  • The current best estimate is that e-cigarettes are around 95% less harmful than smoking.
  • Nearly half the population (44.8%) don’t realise e-cigarettes are much less harmful then smoking.
  • There is no evidence so far that e-cigarettes are acting as a route into smoking for children or non-smokers.
  • The first long term study on the effects of quitting smoking by switching to vaping has been completed with resounding success.

Cancer Research UK Advocate Vaping After Cross-Sectional Study

Cancer Research Evidence on Vaping Safety

Nicotine, Carcinogen, and Toxin Exposure in Long-Term E-Cigarette and Nicotine Replacement Therapy Users: A Cross-sectional Study has been conducted by a number of medical professionals including lead author, Dr Lion Shahab [3], from University College London.

The research was undertaken on 3 groups of people who smoked at the start of the survey; one group continued to smoke, one group switched to e-cigarettes only and the final group continued to smoke and also used e-cigarettes.

After six months, the participants who switched from smoking to vaping had far fewer cancer-causing substances and toxins present.

Levels of one of these toxic chemicals, NNAL – which is strongly associated with lung cancer – were 97% lower in those who switched to using just e-cigarettes compared to those who continued to smoke. Those who continued to smoke and also use e-cigarettes saw no difference in the level of NNAL in their body.

Not only were levels of NNAL drastically lower in the group who used e-cigarettes only, the number of volatile organic compounds (VOC's) was also reduced drastically in this group. Health professionals are confident that this proves vaping is far safer than smoking traditional cigarettes.

Dr Lion Shahab said:

“Our study adds to existing evidence showing that e-cigarettes and NRT are far safer than smoking, and suggests that there is a very low risk associated with their long-term use. Our results also suggest that while e-cigarettes are not only safer, the amount of nicotine they provide is not noticeably different to conventional cigarettes. This can help people to stop smoking altogether by dealing with their cravings in a safer way.”

E-cig Study Supported By Cancer Research UK

The study has been backed and funded by health experts, including Cancer Research UK who also urge smokers to see through the bad press that perpetually surrounds vaping and to see the positive impact electronic cigarettes can have. 

Cancer Research UK’s director of cancer prevention, Alison Cox said: “This study adds to growing evidence that e-cigarettes are a much safer alternative to tobacco, and suggests the long term effects of these products will be minimal.”

The study, coupled with ITV’s coverage adds further weight behind Public Health England’s well-documented figure that vaping is 95% healthier than smoking.

Fraser Cropper, Chairman of Totally Wicked LTD said:

“This is a very positive and credible study which yet again affirms the enormous potential these products have in supporting smoking cessation and risk reduction for smokers.  We continue to wait for the UK government to take a positive position and actively to encourage smokers to consider vaping. If this and preceding body of academic evidence is not enough, then what is required for the UK government to stop equivocating and confusing the UK smoking population about the risks and benefits of vaping?”

We hope that this will be a milestone for vaping and should help to debunk the negative attitude peddled by the mainstream media, thus increasing people’s confidence in e-cigarettes and leading to millions of lives being saved.

So You Are Thinking Of Making The Switch To E-cigarettes, What Do You Do Next As A New Vaper? 

Here at The Electronic Cigarette Company we pride ourselves on guiding new vapers to making the switch. We have a wealth of information in our support section and we have detailed information for people who are looking for their first e-cig in our guide to vape starter kits. It is also worth remembering that it is much cheaper to vape than it is to smoke.

If you are a smoker, find out just how much you can save by taking a look at our quit smoking calculator. Vaping is far less harmful than smoking but can also help you save a lot of money. Some spend more than others, but in general vaping costs less than half as much as smoking.

If you are still struggling to choose your first e-cig don’t hesitate to contact our Customer Service team using live chat on the bottom right hand corner of your screen, alternatively you can call them on: 01254 269380.

Are Vaping Devices Safe?

The media have been known to portray ‘exploding vapes’, however this is not the case! Vapes contain a battery, just the same as your phones and laptops that, without the proper care, can potentially malfunction. However with the right care, your battery is extremely low risk. Please see our Battery Safety Guide for information. If you want some more info, be sure to check out The Ultimate Guide to E-cig Batteries.

Here at The Electronic Cigarette Company, we only supply products that are TRPR compliant, as the safety of our customers is of utmost importance to us. You can also be assured that every product is genuine, thanks to our extensive partnerships with the leading manufacturers.

References

[1] Cancer Research UK. (2019). E-cigarette safety. [online] Available at: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/awareness-and-prevention/e-cigarette-hub-information-for-health-professionals/safety#E-cigs_safety0

[2] McNeill A, Brose L, Calder R, et al. E-cigarettes : an evidence update (link is external). London: UKHSA; 2021.

[3] Shahab L, Goniewicz ML, Blount BC, et al. Nicotine, carcinogen, and toxin exposure in long-term e-cigarette and nicotine replacement therapy users: a cross-sectional study.(link is external) Ann Intern Med 2017;166(6):390-400

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