So, you're thinking about stepping into the vaping world and giving e-cigarettes a try. Or maybe you've already started vaping, but want to do some research into the pros and cons. Well, that's a sensible idea – with all the conflicting information around it can be hard to get through to the facts. In this article I'll try and list some of the positives and negatives of using e-cigs, so you can make an informed decision.
E-Cigarettes - Pros
Costs less than cigarettes long-term, allowing you to save money in the long run
The process of vaporising isn't as harmful as smoking, and doesn't create as many toxins (no carbon monoxide, tar, ammonia or cyanide)
No more bad breath, bad teeth and unpleasant smells on your clothes
Wide range of flavours available, meaning you'll enjoy the experience more and won't get bored
The main ingredients; Propylene Glycol and Vegetable Glycerin, are generally recognised as safe for human consumption, and used in a range of food and drink products as flavourings
E-cigs don't contain tobacco, which is known to cause cancer, heart and lung disease and a host of other conditions
Second-hand smoke is an almost non-existent problem with e-cigs, creating only a subtle scent
E-cigs can be useful in getting smokers of regular cigarettes to quit (results vary though)
E-Cigarettes - Cons
Many e-cig users continue to smoke as well as vaping, making any health benefits negligible
Much of the e-liquid industry is unregulated, meaning manufacturers can put questionable ingredients in the flavourings (don't know exactly what you're getting)
Nicotine, while not as bad as often made out, is still addictive and certainly not good for you
A small number of people are allergic to PG, causing rashes
E-liquid could cause nicotine poisoning if drank (safety risk for children)
Lack of studies relating to the inhalation of PG and VG
So, Should You Use E-Cigarettes?
This is all going to depend on the individual. While no-one can definitively claim that vaping is better for you than smoking, all the signs point towards it. Smoking is associated with a host of harmful chemicals which are known to cause cancer and other diseases, whereas vaping's main ingredients are much less harmful. Nicotine is certainly addictive, but it hasn't been proven to cause cancer and the only way it would pose an immediate risk is if you drank it. As long as you keep your e-juice out of the way of small children this shouldn't be an issue.
Regulation
The one thing holding e-cigarettes back at the moment is the lack of regulation. This means that manufacturers are effectively free to put what they like in your e-liquids, and some of the flavourings could potentially have unwanted ingredients within them. Tighter regulations seem to be coming soon, but this could be a double-edged sword as e-cigs might be regulated very tightly without proper understanding of how they differ from cigarettes.
Your Choice
Ultimately, only you can make the decision whether or not to start using e-cigarettes. As long as you aren't under the impression that it will be completely harmless, vaping seems like a great alternative to smoking. Just be aware of the risks, and make sure you buy from reputable sources so you can limit these risks.
Speaking of reputable sources, why not check out the range of e-cigs and e-liquids at Vape Mountain Now?
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