What is more harmful - cigarettes or electronic cigarettes?

What is more harmful: vaping or cigarettes?

We can say for sure: both are dangerous! Scientists from the University of California at San Francisco have calculated that vaping users almost double the risk of having a heart attack, and people who use both electronic and regular cigarettes increase this risk 5 times!

Let's figure out what is worse: cigarettes or vaping. By the way, we have already written about the dangers of smoking cigarettes, and in the same article there is information about the dangers of hookah.

What is the difference between a regular cigarette and a vape?

In order to understand whether a cigarette or a vape is more harmful, you need to understand how both work. Let's go over the main differences between vaping and cigarettes.

What is a regular cigarette? Tobacco wrapped in paper with a special filter. In the process of smoking, tobacco smoke, containing a huge amount of harmful substances, first enters the body, and then exhales into the environment.

The vape consists of two main parts, the battery and the vaporizer. The heating element of the evaporator is heated by the energy of the battery and evaporates the liquid.

Some new e-cigarette models allow users to increase the vapor output. These higher voltage devices can emit carcinogens, including formaldehyde, at levels comparable to cigarette smoke.

What is vaping?

A vape is an electronic cigarette that produces vapor from a chemical liquid. It consists of a mouthpiece, a battery, a heating element and a special refill. Inhaling and exhaling vapor from a vape is similar to the process of smoking a regular cigarette, so it is often perceived as an alternative option. The difference is that tobacco products produce smoke with a pungent odor, while vaping produces steam similar to water, but mixed with flavorings and toxic substances.

An electronic cigarette can be in the form of a pen, a rectangular box or a flash drive. It is not noticeable and is easy to cover with your hand. Also, a vape for smoking does not leave an unpleasant odor on clothes, skin and hair. It is because of these reasons that it is especially popular among teenagers and young adults.

The dangers of tobacco smoke

I can write endlessly about the harm cigarettes cause to the body, so I will try to present everything briefly. The main reason why cigarettes are dangerous is the combustion of tobacco smoke, which releases about 250 harmful substances. This number includes 69 carcinogens.

Microscopic particles of tobacco smoke, entering the body, provoke the development of a number of diseases - from osteoporosis, anemia, infertility and impotence to toxic hepatitis and oncology. Each puff has a destructive effect on DNA (damages the P16 gene) and leads to the appearance of cancer mutations. The respiratory organs and cardiovascular system receive the most severe blow.

A little about passive smoking

However, even if you yourself have never touched a cigarette, stay away from hostages of smoky vice. Passive smoking is no less dangerous for the body than active smoking: it not only reduces the mental activity of the brain, affects the bronchi and lungs, but also increases the risk of heart disease and cancer.

By the way, in 2013, Russia adopted a federal law banning smoking in public places (stadiums, hospitals, shops, train stations, hotels, cafes, restaurants and even on the landings of apartment buildings). Remember this when your neighbor starts smoking on the shared balcony.

Are electronic cigarettes dangerous for others?

Tobacco companies position ENDS as a safe alternative to regular cigarettes in terms of harm to others, allowing consumption in public places where smoking is prohibited. Reviews presented by WHO experts showed that EC vapors are by no means harmless to others and can cause adverse effects on their health [11, 38]. Secondary aerosols contain toxic substances, fine and ultrafine particles, 1,2-propanediol, volatile organic substances, heavy metals (copper, cadmium, nickel, chromium and lead), nicotine. Levels of some metals, such as nickel and chromium, are even higher in second-hand ENDS aerosols than in second-hand tobacco smoke. In addition, secondary aerosols also contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNA), acrolein, formaldehyde and acetaldehyde.

The level of chemicals largely depends on the type of device, the composition of the liquid for refilling, and the controllability of the properties of the devices: for example, a new generation ES with controlled voltage or ventilation properties may have much more emissions than in devices of the first or second generations. Concentrations of formaldehyde, for example in secondary aerosols, according to various studies, range from 11.6 to 215 μg/m3, and the level of acetaldehyde - from 2.3 to 275.5 μg/m3. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency's adverse risk assessment, long-term exposure to these substances may correspond to an excess risk of cancer of 270 to 720 cases per 1 million and from 4 to 360 cases per 1 million population [38].

The nicotine content in secondary aerosols can be 10-115 times higher than its concentration in the ambient air. Chemicals contained in aerosols enter the body of surrounding people, as evidenced by the presence of cotinine in the urine. Therefore, secondary aerosols can be harmful to others, in particular to persons predisposed to respiratory diseases and pregnant women.

Toxicological assessment of secondary EC aerosols and their exposure to others has shown that EC vapor can cause irritation of the upper respiratory tract, eyes due to exposure to propylene glycol and glycerol, as well as increased heart rate, heart rate and systolic blood pressure due to the systemic effects of nicotine [39]. ]. The severity of the health effects on others depends on the rate of ventilation, the size of the room, and the duration and intensity of exposure. Researchers also do not exclude an increased risk of cancer in case of exposure to vapors with high levels of tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNA) [39]. Eliminating these components from e-liquid when ENDS are regulated will help reduce the risk of cancer. Thus, ES vapor poses a certain risk to the health of others, which is confirmed by the results of many studies presented in a systematic review [40].

However, the need to regulate ENDS and ban their consumption in public places is not only due to the impact of secondary aerosols on the health of others. The consumption of any ENDS in public places is a live advertisement and promotion of these products, and the consumption of any products that simulate smoking is prohibited by law.

Is vaping harmful or not?

Many people are turning to vaping to quit smoking. After all, every second advertisement dedicated to electronic cigarettes talks about the incredible benefits for smokers. There are no nasty tars emitted from a vape like there are when smoking. We gradually reduce the dosage and quit smoking completely. But not many people succeed. Is vaping harmful and how does it affect the body?

Every year, sales of vapes are only increasing and more and more young people are becoming addicted to nicotine. It turns out that vaping may help a motivated adult quit smoking, but for others it will help them start or worsen the situation.

Many are also concerned that e-cigarettes, considered safer, are attracting teenagers. Their use by middle and high school students has increased from 6% to 20% in three years (2021 data). Is vaping without nicotine harmful? Yes, and here's why.

Main components

The main components of the aerosol are propylene glycol and glycerin. These seem to be two harmless substances, but when heated, the first can turn into propylene oxide, which, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, is carcinogenic to humans.

A carcinogen is a substance that promotes the development of malignant tumors.

Nicotine

Liquids contain nicotine, which increases the risk of many diseases, including cardiovascular diseases. Nicotine also contributes to the emergence and development of cancer.

It was experimentally established that the nicotine concentration in the analyzes of people who exchanged regular cigarettes for electronic ones does not change. Either the math is bad and it’s difficult to calculate the dose, or the body can’t be fooled and as the dosage decreases, the person begins to smoke more.

The main disadvantage of vaping is the difficulty of controlling the dosage. A replacement vape cartridge has the same harmful effects as a pack of cigarettes, so when using it, you need to look at your watch to control the dosage. I already wrote above that some devices allow you to increase the amount of steam, which aggravates the situation.

Many people do not realize how much nicotine they are putting into their bodies and how quickly they are doing it. A toxic concentration of nicotine of 50 g is achieved very quickly, so I repeat, you need to monitor the time you use the vape in order to avoid unpleasant consequences.

In addition, nicotine in a vape is absorbed faster and better. When you smoke a cigarette, nicotine reaches the brain within 7 seconds. When vaping, nicotine reaches the brain in 2 seconds.

Due to improper use, cases of nicotine poisoning have become more frequent. After all, many people think that it smells nice, the clouds of steam are beautiful, but the rest is nonsense.

Symptoms of liquid nicotine poisoning:

• vomit;
• diarrhea;
• cardiopalmus;
• labored breathing;
• headache.

There are also liquids without nicotine, but with a set of other toxic substances. Besides, whether they contain nicotine or not, no one actually checks. Neither cartridges nor the devices themselves are subject to mandatory certification. So, only the manufacturers know what exactly the device is stuffed with.

Since vapes appeared not so long ago, their effects on the body have not been fully studied to date. So the health consequences can be unpredictable.

Flavors

In 2021, scientists from the University of Rochester Medical Center in New York decided to test the hypothesis that electronic cigarettes that do not contain nicotine would be less harmful and analyzed in detail the flavors included in their composition.

It turned out that flavorings are also toxic. For example, they contain diacetyl and acetylpropionyl, both toxic chemicals. Diacetyl adds flavor. Inhaling it leads to scarring of the lungs or popcorn lung disease.

The disease got its name after hundreds of people who worked in popcorn production suffered permanent lung damage.

This is an example of how the lack of control over the composition of electronic cigarettes can lead to serious consequences. The most dangerous scents are those that are sweet and oily, such as vanilla and cinnamon.

Acrolein

Some electronic cigarettes contain acrolein in the vape liquid. This unsaturated aldehyde is toxic and is used primarily as a weed control agent. It can be formed when glycerin is heated, and can provoke chronic lung diseases.

And also do not forget that the electronic device is explosive. There are many similar cases, here is an example of one of them.

Remember, vaping is not that safe! And even if it does not contain nicotine, it still contains elements hazardous to health.

Will vaping help you quit smoking?

When choosing which is better: an electronic cigarette or a regular one, people are often guided by the idea of ​​fighting smoking. Yes, you can quit smoking by vaping, but it will require a focused regimen or even a plan. There is a lot of debate about which is actually more harmful: vaping or cigarettes.

Let's consider the advantages of this method of combating a bad habit.

1. There is no need to buy a whole pack of cigarettes or smoke an entire cigarette. During periods of increased need for nicotine, when giving up regular cigarettes, a smoker only needs a couple of puffs of a vape.
2. Weaning from tobacco smoke. Using a vape, a person becomes weaned from the smell of tobacco, after which it becomes unpleasant and the user may not return to smoking regular cigarettes.
3. Cleansing the body of harmful components contained in tobacco products.

There are some disadvantages against such a non-standard method.

1. It is impossible to adequately estimate nicotine consumption, because a vape can be smoked until it runs out of mixture. A regular cigarette runs out after 10 puffs; using a vape, you will at least have to count them.
2. Side effects from substances contained in the smoking mixture of an electronic cigarette cannot be ruled out.
3. Long-term smokers are not always able to completely switch to vaping; as a result, a person smokes both regular and electronic cigarettes, increasing their daily nicotine consumption.
4. Vaping is not subject to smoking bans at work, at home, or in other places. In fact, nothing will prevent a person from smoking once again, although certain prohibitions have a deterrent effect.

How vaping is regulated in America

Recently, in the United States, the Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) reported an outbreak of a mysterious disease of mild to severe respiratory illness among vapers. Hundreds of cases are being investigated across the country. Unfortunately, there have already been several deaths.

As a result, the US government seriously intends to ban vapes throughout the country (they are especially popular among American teenagers), and some states have already introduced an age limit for their sale.

San Francisco authorities have already introduced a ban on the sale of electronic devices. Distribution of products is prohibited both in stores and on online platforms. Manufacturers of vapes and e-cigarettes can distribute their products as long as their product has been inspected by the Food and Drug Administration and received a safety certificate. But as you may have guessed, no company has been given such permission yet.

Is hookah harmful to the human body?

Now about hookahs. Their fans are sure that this activity does not cause harm to health. After all, tobacco in hookahs passes through a water filter. This means that all the toxic impurities contained in it remain in the water. In addition, there are completely harmless tobacco-free hookah mixtures infused with fruits and vegetables.

Unfortunately, WHO experts do not share these optimistic beliefs. According to experts, filtering smoke through water does not improve the situation: most components of tobacco smoke do not dissolve in water. Therefore, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, tars and other toxic substances enter the lungs.

As for “harmless fruit mixtures,” combustion products in any case are harmful to health. These are carcinogenic substances that lead to cancer and other diseases. Plus, when smoking a hookah, the risk of contracting an infectious disease increases. For example, the herpes virus or tuberculosis. Alas, sterility and safety are not guaranteed even by disposable mouthpieces. So draw your own conclusions!

The harm and benefits of vaping

It is worth noting that in-depth fundamental research on the effects of vaping on human health has not yet been conducted. There is no consensus among doctors and scientists on this issue yet.

Let's figure out what the vaper inhales while vaping. The composition of the vape liquid includes:

• Glycerin is a product from plant raw materials, a viscous liquid of transparent color. Responsible for steam production. In high-quality liquid it is purified from impurities, and is also used in the food industry.
• In the production of vape liquids, only propylene glycol, purified from impurities, is used, which can be purchased at a vape shop for mixing the liquid yourself. It helps to reveal the taste of the liquid.
• The flavorings used in the liquid are food grade and can be of plant or synthetic origin. Safe for humans.
• Distilled water may be present to provide a certain consistency. As you understand, it is absolutely harmless.
• Nicotine (in the case of nicotine-containing liquid).