Is Vaping Really Better Than Smoking?

With over seven thousand chemicals inhaled in each puff, some of which have joltingly ominous names such as formaldehyde, arsenic, ammonia, and benzene, it is little wonder that tobacco smoking is magnificently bad for you. 

That’s without even mentioning the lung-coating tar, whiffy clothes, and teeth so deeply stained that even an emergency dash to Istanbul will fail to satisfy. Smoking, in other words, is a terrible idea. If you are a smoker and have not yet quit smoking, you should do so as soon as possible. 

Vaping vs Smoking

The last decade or so has seen a rise in tobacco alternatives, such as vaping. Many assumed that vaping would be a passing fad born out of novelty, but vaping has since proved the doubters wrong and is now worth an estimated $30 billion in sales per year. In the UK alone, almost 10% of the adult population vape, with somewhere in the region of five million people partaking in this new pastime.

But is vaping nothing more than a pastime, or is it a nasty habit similar to smoking? 

When vaping first exploded onto the scene in the early 2010s, apart from a short period when ‘bubble lung’ was touted as a potentially serious ailment, it was, for the most part, championed as a completely harmless indulgence.

Now, that narrative has shifted a little. While most people still view vaping as a much safer alternative to smoking, some insist otherwise, remaining adamant that both are equally as bad for you. 

Definitive Answers

So, which one is it? Is vaping worse than smoking? Are they both similarly terrible, or is the former far safer than the latter? In our essential guide to vaping vs. smoking, we shall address the issue, clear up some misconceptions, and offer some cold, hard facts.

If you are thinking of quitting smoking in favour of vaping, or if you have never smoked and simply like the idea of the occasional vape, you will benefit from reading this. Let’s get to it.

Is Vaping Worse Than Smoking?

To settle the debate in the vaping vs smoking stakes, we first need to look at what we are dealing with, starting with the health risks of tobacco smoking. 

Smoking is well-known for its severe health risks, which are extremely well-documented. The act of burning tobacco releases a host of harmful chemicals and numerous carcinogens, while tar coats the lungs and can lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. 

Carbon monoxide, a sinister, colourless and odourless gas, reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen, putting extra strain on the heart and increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

However, the long-term effects of smoking go way beyond the lungs and heart. Smokers are at a higher risk for a range of cancers, including those of the mouth, throat, oesophagus, and pancreas. Secondhand smoke can also cause serious health issues for those around them, especially children and pregnant women. 

With over 8 million deaths per year attributed to smoking, there is no question of its peril. Smoking is a seriously health-endangering habit.

What Is Vaping?

Vaping, in the most basic of terms, uses an electronic device to heat a liquid (commonly known as e-liquid or vape juice) to produce a vapour that users then inhale. The idea is that it offers a similar sensation to smoking.

The main components of e-liquids include nicotine, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and various flavourings. In short, when the device heats the liquid, it instantly vaporises, allowing users to inhale the resulting mist, as a result.

One of the main differences between vaping vs smoking is the absence of any ignited combustion. While smoking cigarettes involves the burning of tobacco – which produces harmful by-products such as tar and carbon monoxide – vaping heats the liquid at much lower temperatures, avoiding the combustion process entirely. 

While vaping is not completely risk-free, its mechanism of action greatly reduces exposure to most harmful substances. With that in mind, the answer to the question, “Is vaping worse than smoking,” lies with this fundamental difference and should help clarify why vaping is often considered a less harmful alternative. 

In short, the focus on heating (rather than burning) is a huge factor in minimising the release of toxic chemicals.

Vaping vs Smoking: Comparing the Health Risks

When comparing vaping vs smoking, the first step is to consider the known health risks associated with each. 

Smoking

Traditional smoking involves inhaling a plethora of harmful chemicals, including tar, carbon monoxide, and various nasty carcinogens. These substances contribute to serious health issues like lung cancer, heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 

While these substances are not necessarily dangerous in other contexts, it is the process of combustion that releases these toxic compounds and causes the danger. As a result, smoking has become one of the leading causes of preventable illness and death.

Vaping

Vaping, while not without its own set of risks, generally exposes users to far fewer harmful substances. Again, it is the absence of combustion in vaping that means users are not inhaling tar or carbon monoxide, which are major contributors to smoking-related diseases. 

However, e-liquids used in vaping usually contain various levels of nicotine, which is addictive and may have adverse effects on cardiovascular health. Some e-liquids also contain chemicals like diacetyl, which has been linked to lung disease when inhaled over long periods.

In most cases, vaping concerns often focus on its apparent appeal to young people, as nicotine can affect brain development. There is also the potential for dual use, where people continue smoking while also vaping, thereby not fully escaping the harms of smoking. 

Essentially, while vaping may present fewer health risks compared to smoking, it’s not entirely without danger. The decision between vaping and smoking involves weighing these relative risks, especially for those looking to quit traditional cigarettes.

Benefits of Vaping Over Smoking

Switching from smoking to vaping offers several potential benefits, particularly in terms of reducing exposure to harmful chemicals. Unlike traditional cigarettes, which release thousands of toxins through combustion, vaping products typically contain fewer harmful substances. 

For example, the absence of tar—a major contributor to respiratory diseases—can lead to a marked improvement in lung function and overall respiratory health.

E-cigarettes have also gained notable recognition as a useful tool for quitting smoking. Studies suggest that vaping can be more effective than other nicotine replacement therapies (such as patches or gum), in helping people quit smoking.

The ability to control nicotine intake through varying e-liquid concentrations can ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce the likelihood of relapse.

Aside from the various health aspects, many former smokers have reported a better sense of taste and smell after switching to vaping, owing to an improvement in sensory perception that can significantly improve the quality of life. Additionally, vaping is often associated with fewer social stigmas, as it typically produces a more pleasant aroma compared to the lingering odour of tobacco smoke. 

For anyone comparing vaping vs smoking with a view to either one, these factors would suggest that vaping could be a better alternative for anyone wishing to reduce their health risks while maintaining their nicotine intake.

What Does the Future Look Like?

The future of vaping and smoking seems to be taking two entirely diverging paths, especially as vaping continues to be explored by most as a harm-reduction tool (in comparison, at least). Research into the long-term effects of vaping is still ongoing, with a focus on understanding its general impact compared to smoking. 

While the consensus remains that vaping is generally far less harmful, studying its potential risks and benefits will continue until a more conclusive decision has been made. 

The regulatory framework for vaping will probably also continue to evolve. Governments and public health agencies are focusing more intently on the need to regulate vaping products, particularly in light of concerns about youth access and the marketing of flavoured products – a shift that can be demonstrated by the recently announced disposable vape ban.

Ultimately, these regulations aim to strike a balance between providing adult smokers with safer alternatives and preventing a new generation from developing nicotine addiction. It remains to be seen how ambitious this endeavour proves. 

Bottom Line

While vaping is not without its risks, there can be no question of it being a less harmful alternative to smoking. The main reason is the lack of tar and the thousands of harmful chemicals found in cigarettes. Just this one fact alone means that vaping is a far better choice for anyone looking to reduce their exposure to toxins. 

However, that does not mean that vaping is without its potential risks, especially relating to nicotine addiction and the long-term effects that are still being studied. Either way, current evidence suggests that vaping is most certainly the better option for greatly reducing the potential for health issues. 

The NEAFS Solution

NEAFS products offer a simple, convenient, and far healthier alternative to traditional smoking and other vaping products. Our clever NEAFS sticks provide a smoking-like experience without the harmful effects associated with tobacco, without compromising on taste, sensation, or satisfaction. 

By heating and not burning a blend of tea leaves and cellulose, NEAFS sticks give the sensation of smoking while eliminating thousands of harmful chemicals found in cigarettes. This allows smokers to maintain their routine and the sensory pleasure of smoking without the awful health effects of smoking.

Interested in making the jump? Check out our life-changing starter bundles and join the growing legion of people who have ditched the ciggies with NEAFS!

FAQs

Is vaping worse than smoking?
Vaping is generally considered less harmful than smoking because it doesn’t involve combustion, thus reducing exposure to harmful substances like tar and carbon monoxide. However, vaping still carries risks, especially concerning nicotine addiction.

What are the main differences between vaping vs smoking?
The biggest difference lies in the absence of combustion in vaping, which means fewer harmful chemicals are inhaled compared to smoking. Vaping also lacks tar and carbon monoxide, reducing certain health risks.

Can vaping help you quit smoking?
Yes, vaping can assist in quitting smoking by providing a controlled dose of nicotine without the harmful by-products of burning tobacco. Many find it an effective alternative to traditional nicotine replacement therapies.

Do NEAFS Sticks contain nicotine?
NEAFS Sticks come in both nicotine and nicotine-free varieties, allowing users to choose based on their preferences and needs. This flexibility helps cater to those seeking to reduce or avoid nicotine intake.

How does NEAFS technology work?
NEAFS products heat a specialised blend without burning, producing an aerosol that can be inhaled. This method avoids the harmful by-products of combustion, such as tar and ash, commonly found in traditional cigarettes.

What flavours are available for NEAFS Sticks?
NEAFS Sticks offer a variety of flavours, including Original, Mojito, Menthol, Strawberry, Coffee, and Blueberry. This range provides options for different taste preferences, enhancing the vaping experience.