There’s plenty of research and information about cigarettes. For many, this provides a sense of security as we are all aware of the harmful effects smoking has on our body. But what about e-cigarettes?
There are around 3 million e-cigarette users in the UK and increasingly people are turning to e-cigarettes as a safer alternative to smoking. Emerging evidence suggests some of the highest quit rates are now seen among smokers using an e-cigarette alongside support from a local Stop Smoking service.
Research estimates that while not risk-free, e-cigarettes are at least 95% less harmful than smoking cigarettes. This figure comes from Public Health England and ongoing studies indicate the percentage could be even higher.
Public Health England released a video illustrating the health harms of smoking cigarettes compared to using e-cigarettes.
The video was produced to show people that e-cigarettes can be considered as an option to break the habit of smoking cigarettes, despite the mixed messages shared by studies and media headlines around e-cigarettes.
What are e-cigarettes/vapes?
Short for electronic cigarettes, e-cigarettes are also commonly known as vapes or e-cigs. They work differently from cigarettes as rather than burning tobacco to produce smoke, e-cigs produce a vapour, which is inhaled by the user.
Because they do not produce smoke, there is no carbon monoxide (a poisonous gas released from anything organic burning). E-cigarettes also have the added advantage of not containing any tars (the main cancer-causing substance) or any of the other 4000+ chemicals produced by cigarettes. In fact, e-liquid is made up of only four basic ingredients; water, nicotine, flavourings, and a propylene glycol or vegetable glycerine base. It’s also important to note that not all e-cigs contain nicotine!
Should I consider vaping?
If you’re someone who has never smoked before, it is not a great idea to start. Nicotine is highly addictive. But if you are already addicted to nicotine through cigarettes then vaping is by far the better option.
Our advice is… “If you do not smoke… do not vape. If you do smoke… consider vaping instead”.
See the video below for Public Health England‘s advice on e-cigarette use:
How can we help?
Here at One You Surrey, we can help you plan your quit attempt and it’s always easier with the support of those who specialise in nicotine addiction. We can provide you with a device, a charging plug and all the e-liquid you need for 12 weeks alongside behaviour change support via weekly telephone appointments.
