Top 10 Vaping Myths Debunked

Without much research or supporting facts, vaping is quickly growing and becoming the new trend. As with any other thing that fits this profile, a lot of myths are bound to come up and vaping has been on the receiving end of its fair share of myths.

While some of the myths are simple folk tales that are harmless, others might scare away newbies and misinform those already vaping. That's why it's essential to differentiate between the facts and myths.

Unfortunately, there are hundreds of myths about vaping with a new one popping up every day so we can't cover all of them. But here are the ten most common.

Countdown of Vaping Myths

1. E-Cigarettes contain tobacco

Most myths surrounding vaping often relate to e-cigarettes and e-juices to tobacco. However, this couldn't be further from the truth. On the one hand, e-cigarettes are a type of electronic device that vaporises the e-juice. The e-cigarettes themselves are only a means and don’t contain any tobacco.

E-liquids, on the other hand, don't contain tobacco. Some brands and varieties contain nicotine, but this is not the same as tobacco.

3. E-cigarettes are just as dangerous as cigarettes

There’s not much research into vaping and e-cigarettes to give them a complete bill of health. However, based on the existing research, it’s clear that people who vape have lower levels of toxic and carcinogenic substances in their bodies compared to those who smoke. Cigarettes contain over 4,000 toxic chemicals that are not found in vaping liquids.

Why not also read: How Much Nicotine is in a Cigarette?

3. E-cigarettes can explode in your pocket

E-cigarettes are the most misunderstood aspect of vaping. This neat piece of engineering is often criticised and most people don’t take time to understand how it’s designed or how it works.

E-cigarettes use lithium-ion batteries. Smartphones, laptops, and many other electronics use the same type of battery. As long as the batteries are used properly and safely, they don't explode and are relatively safe.

4. Second hand vaping is dangerous just like second-hand smoke

Considering the intense clouds of vapour associated with vaping, it’s easy to see the basis of this myth. But it’s just that – a myth!

Unlike cigarettes, e-cigarettes don't involve combustion, which means they produce very little or no exposure to harmful chemicals that might expose by-standers to risks.

There are a few studies that have gone as far as proving that e-cigarette aerosols have low levels of toxicity with no apparent risks to by-standers.

5. Vaping is just like smoking

The process might look similar, but the two are worlds apart. Smoking releases tar, carbon monoxide among other toxic by-products while vaping releases water vapour. Vaping is also tobacco-free, and for vapers that prefer, it can also be nicotine free. With smoking, you don't have these options.

Why not also read: Vaping Indoors UK Law

6. Vaping is more addictive than smoking

One of the reasons that people turn to vape is to quit smoking. While there are plenty of myths that counter this, the greatest misconception is that vaping is more addictive than smoking.

Most people believe that vaping gets you more hooked to nicotine than smoking would. To begin with, not all vape liquids contain nicotine. Some are nicotine-free. Also, vape liquids containing nicotine are controlled and the amount of nicotine delivered through an e-cig is far less than what is contained in a cigarette.

7. Vaping is just for cloud chasers

Intense clouds are definitely among the reasons that people love vaping. In fact, there are some vape liquids that are engineered solely to produce thick clouds of vapour. However, this is not the only reason why people opt for vaping.

There are vapers that use this as an alternative to quitting smoking. Most vapers are former smokers looking for an effective method to quit smoking. Others are in it for leisure and its trendy nature. As a vaper, you have the power to choose how you want your set up to be. 

There are vapers who prefer a more discrete experience, while others love the attention that vaping attracts and go for powerful devices. It's all about personal preferences.

8. E-liquids contain anti-freeze

The myth about e-liquids containing anti-freeze is a mixture of ignorance and a lack of sufficient information.

Anti-freeze contains a chemical called diethylene glycol while e-liquids contain Propylene glycol. It’s easy to see the source of the confusion. Propylene glycol or PG as it’s often called in vaping circles is a prominent ingredient in air sanitation systems and asthma inhalers. There’s a fair chance that you’ve inhale PG plenty of times before you even think of vaping.

9. E-cigs target teenagers and children

Vaping was designed to provide people looking to quit smoking with a viable alternative that would make the process easier for them.

Why not also read: Is Vaping Bad for Your Teeth?

Besides, vaping is thoroughly regulated and buying and selling of vaping products is illegal for under 18s. In most countries, the same laws that apply for cigarettes apply for vaping. In other countries, vaping products are more stringently regulated.

10. Vaping is more expensive than cigarettes

There’s some truth to this myth. The initial set up cost of vaping will cost you more than a pack of cigarettes. However, unlike a pack of cigarettes, once you're set-up, you only need to buy replacements parts to keep going, and that takes some time. Buying e-liquid is cheaper than a pack of cigarettes, so the long term cost of vaping is actually quite affordable.

Final thoughts

Understandably, there's a lot of stigma and uncertainty that surrounds vaping. It's still relatively new and widely misunderstood. By debunking these few myths, the veils that cover vaping can hopefully be drawn back and get people to understand better what vaping is about.