Health Risks of Electronic Cigarettes

How safe electronic cigarettes are has been debated since they were made public in 2004, and something which will no doubt continue to be discussed.

Here at Vape Mountain we’ve spent many hours researching and exploring this subject and can summarise with the following facts:

• E-cigarettes are tar and tobacco free. Burning tobacco creates toxic tar as a by-product, damaging your lungs and impairing breathing - the primary cause of premature death in the UK. Vaping uses no tobacco and tar is not present in vapour.
• Vaping is smoke-free. Cigarette smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals, including 43 carcinogens which can cause cancer. Very few carcinogenic chemicals have been found in e-cigarettes – the clouds produced are harmless vapour rather than actual smoke. There are therefore no nasty by-products of combustion present and no second-hand smoke dangers.
• E-cigarettes don’t have to contain nicotine. Nicotine is highly addictive but not proven harmful on its own in responsible amounts. There are different nicotine concentrations available for e-cigarettes, including liquids that contain no nicotine whatsoever.
• E-Liquids also consist of vegetable glycerine (VG), propylene glycerine (PG), flavouring and distilled water – all considered harmless. VG and PG are non-toxic and are actually used as food additives, found within many products on your supermarket shelves. 
• No confirmed cases of diseases or deaths caused by vaping, in comparison with the 100,000 cigarette-related deaths reported every year in the UK.

This all seems largely positive, especially when comparing electronic cigarettes to their traditional, smoky counterparts. However, as with many things, that’s not to say that there are no health risks associated with using e-cigarettes. 

Read on to learn about some of the risks you should be aware of if you do decide to enter the world of vape.

Dehydration and Vaper’s Tongue 

Something to be wary of whilst you vape is its ability to dry out your mouth and throat. This can easily by counteracted by sipping on a glass of water as you vape, or by using a liquid with higher levels of VG, which is less drying than PG. 

Dry mouth can cause Vaper’s Tongue which, again, isn’t dangerous or permanent but can be an inconvenience and reduce your vaping experience. A dry tongue can’t pick up flavours as well as a healthy, saliva-covered one and may weaken your taste-buds ability. Don’t worry, your taste will return – just remember to stay hydrated as you vape (and in general!). If you feel like your mouth and throat is uncomfortably dry, take a little break from the vape!

Nicotine Withdrawal

First of all, remember that you don’t have to vape nicotine. Electronic cigarettes are available with zero nicotine content, perfect if you aren’t addicted to smoking and just want to enjoy the fun flavours and clouds of vaping. 

Some users vape as a substitute for smoking. Unlike traditional cigarettes, e-cigs allow you to control your nicotine dosage. Many start with a higher concentration and wean themselves off as their dependency decreases. Nicotine is a stimulant, like caffeine, and can cause withdrawal symptoms if you are an addict coming off it. These include headaches, nausea, irritability and fatigue. Just try and remember this is temporary and the health benefits of going smoke and nicotine-free will make it all worth it!

PG Allergy

A small number of people are allergic to propylene glycerine, one of the base ingredients for e-liquid. If you experience sore throat, sinus problems, headaches, nausea or, in extreme cases, numbness of the face and tongue and itchy hives on the upper body, you may have a PG allergy. If this is the case you should stop using your e-cigarette and consult a doctor. If you are allergic to propylene glycerine, you can switch to e-liquids with 100% VG content and no PG.

E-Liquid is Dangerous if Drunk

The range of e-liquid flavours available on the market grows ever more wild and delicious, like an untamed bush bursting with tempting fruits! From apple pie and coconut to toffee and butterscotch, the liquids smell just like the real thing. They are, however, poisonous if ingested – so don’t drink them! This may seem obvious but is really important, particularly with regard to children, infants and pets. Always keep your e-liquids in a secure place.

E-Cigarette Long-Term Effects are Unknown

As modern vaping has only taken off in the last decade or so, long-term research into the health risks of electronic cigarettes is still in its infancy. This is why many have reservations about using electronic cigarettes - choosing not to vape will always be better for you than inhaling anything into your lungs. 

If you have made yourself aware of these health risks and still think vaping is right for you, explore our online store and get started!

OK Vape Tobacco Extra-High Nicotine E-Cigarette Refills (20mg) £6.99    In stock now View Info Tobacco-flavoured electronic cigarette refill Suitable for the OK Vape Rechargeable E-Cigarette Extra-high nicotine strength of 20mg Each pack contains 5 refills, with bulk offers available Available from £5.50 per pack! FREE OK Vape Starter Kit Offer: Enter switch2ok at checkout			Blu Pro E-Cigarette Clearomiser £5.99    In stock now View Info Ergonomic mouthpiece for consistent vapour Top-filling design makes refills quick and easy Clear window shows how much e-liquid is left Designed exclusively for Blu Pro to ensure compatibility			EDGE Cherry Ice Menthol E-Liquid (Pack of 5) £11.99    In stock now View Info Cherry and menthol flavoured e-liquid Nicotine strengths: 6mg, 12mg and 18mg VG: 50%, PG: 50% Made in the UK			Blu MyBlu Golden Tobacco Liquidpods £5.49    In stock now View Info Classic golden tobacco flavour Available in a single 18mg nicotine strength VG: 35%, PG: 65% Bulk purchases available from £4.70 per pack
Elf Bar 600 Snoow Tobacco Disposable Vape Pen (20mg) £4.99    In stock now View Info Disposable vape pen supplied in a creamy snoow tobacco flavour Provides 600 puffs per bar, roughly the same as 20 cigarettes Compact, portable and drag-activated for a great vape experience  Mix and match 10 of any flavour to reduce price to £3.80 per device			OK Vape E-Cigarette Nicotine-Free Menthol Refill Cartridges (0mg) £6.99    In stock now View Info Menthol flavour refill cartridges for the OK Rechargeable E-Cigarette Each pack contains five cartridges and lasts for the equivalent of 125 traditional cigarettes Nicotine-free with 0mg of nicotine in each cartridge Bulk offers available starting at £5.50 per pack FREE OK Vape Starter Kit Offer: Enter switch2ok at checkout			EDGE Forest Fruits E-Liquid (Pack of 5) £11.99    In stock now View Info Blueberry and strawberry flavoured e-liquid Nicotine strengths: 6mg, 12mg and 18mg VG: 50%, PG: 50% Made in the UK			Lost Mary BM600 Watermelon Ice Disposable Vape (20mg) £4.95    In stock now View Info Disposable vape device in an icy menthol watermelon flavour  Provides 600 puffs per vape, roughly the same as 20 cigarettes Bright and colourful design in a conveniently compact case Mix and match 10 of any flavour to reduce price to £3.80 per device
Elf Bar 600 ElfTurbo Ice (Elfbull Ice) Disposable Vape Pen (20mg) £4.99    In stock now View Info Disposable vape pen supplied in an authentic energy drink flavour Provides 600 puffs per bar, roughly the same as 20 cigarettes Compact, portable and drag-activated for a great vape experience  Mix and match 10 of any flavour to reduce price to £3.80 per device			OK Vape Rechargeable E-Cigarette Starter Kit and High Strength Menthol Refill Cartridges Saver Pack £37.99    In stock now View Info Starter kit containing everything that you need to start vaping Menthol flavoured and ideal for those who want to cut down on smoking Contains a total of 26 high strength refills (18mg) and one medium strength refill (12mg) Includes a USB charger, K1 Battery and an OK Vape carry case FREE OK Vape Starter Kit Offer: Enter switch2ok at checkout			OK Vape E-Cigarette K1 Replacement Battery with Refill Cartridges £9.48    In stock now View Info Replacement battery and pack of cartridges For the OK Vape Rechargeable E-Cigarette Available with tobacco or menthol cartridges Purchase one, two, or three batteries FREE OK Vape Starter Kit Offer: Enter switch2ok at checkout			EDGE Virginia Tobacco E-Liquid (Pack of 5) £11.99    In stock now View Info Tobacco flavoured e-liquid Nicotine strengths: 6mg, 12mg and 18mg VG: 50%, PG: 50% Made in the UK