Are vapes more harmful than cigarettes? | Fact check

Vapes are becoming increasingly popular as they are seen as a less harmful alternative to conventional cigarettes and offer a wide range of flavors. Recently, there have been increasing reports that vapes could even be more harmful than conventional cigarettes. In this comprehensive fact-check guide, we look at the pros and cons of vaping and explain in which cases it makes sense to use e-cigarettes.

E-cigarettes versus tobacco - what are the advantages?

E-cigarettes offer some clear advantages compared to tobacco. The most important point is that no tobacco is burned when vaping. This means that no substances such as tar, arsenic or ammonia are released, which are responsible for many of the health risks associated with smoking, such as heart attacks, strokes or various types of cancer. Smoking also has aesthetic disadvantages due to discolored teeth and receding gums. A study concludes that vaping is significantly less harmful to the heart and blood vessels than smoking.

Another major advantage is the variety of flavors. Vapers can choose from a huge selection of flavors, from classic tobacco and menthol flavors to fruity, sweet or exotic varieties. This selection allows everyone to find a flavor that exactly matches their own needs and preferences. This makes it easier for many smokers to switch to e-cigarettes, as they find a flavorful experience that surpasses smoking.

In addition, vapers can customize the nicotine strength, from high doses to nicotine-free liquids. E-cigarettes leave no lingering odor in the mouth, on hands, on clothing or in rooms, making them a discreet alternative.

E-cigarettes versus tobacco - what are the disadvantages?

Although e-cigarettes are less harmful than tobacco, they are not risk-free. Some studies have shown that certain chemicals in e-liquids, especially flavors, can release toxic substances when heated. These substances include formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, which are potentially carcinogenic. Long-term health effects have not yet been fully researched, but there are already indications of respiratory irritation and inflammation.

Another drawback is that vapers generally consume more puffs per day than smokers. This is because vaping is less intrusive and is often allowed in places where smoking is prohibited. It’s easy to take a few puffs , for example, at a bus stop or indoors. As a result, many vapers consume nicotine more frequently and throughout the day, which can lead to greater nicotine dependence.

What ingredients are contained in e-cigarettes?

The main components of e-liquids are propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, flavorings and, depending on the product, nicotine. Propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine serve as a carrier liquid and are responsible for producing the vapor. Flavorings give the vapor its taste, and nicotine is added in different strengths as required.

While these ingredients are considered safe in other industries (such as food and cosmetics), they can change their chemical structure when vaporized, which could be potentially harmful to health.

Which ingredients in e-cigarettes are harmful?

Although most of the ingredients in e-liquids are considered safe, there are concerns about the use of certain flavorings. For example, diacetyl, which is often used in butter flavorings, has been linked to serious lung diseases such as "popcorn lung". In addition, tiny amounts of metals from the heating coils of vaporizers can leach into the vapor.

However, modern e-cigarettes have developed mechanisms to regulate the temperature and thus minimize the formation of these harmful substances.

Many vapes contain nicotine, a substance that has a high addictive potential. When consuming a cigarette or vape, the substance enters the brain within 7 seconds. Consumption has a stimulating effect and can lift the mood. Withdrawal symptoms include concentration problems, stress and an unpleasant sense of well-being. After consumption, however, these symptoms are no longer present, which is often mistakenly interpreted as a positive and relaxing effect.

Nicotine can have a negative effect on the cardiovascular system. In children and adolescents in particular, this substance can impair brain development. This in turn can lead to learning difficulties or anxiety disorders.

Are e-cigarettes without nicotine harmful?

Even e-cigarettes without nicotine are not risk-free. Even without nicotine, the vapor can release chemicals that can cause respiratory irritation when inhaled. However, there is no addictive potential as there is no nicotine, and the health risks are significantly lower compared to smoking.

Many vapers use nicotine-free liquids to satisfy their craving for the sensory experience of smoking without falling back into nicotine addiction. In this section you will find vapes without nicotine in numerous designs and flavors.

Possible side effects of using e-cigarettes

Although e-cigarettes are considered less harmful than conventional cigarettes, they can still cause some side effects. These are usually related to the ingredients of the e-liquids and the way they are vaped:

1. Respiratory irritation: Many vapers report dry or irritated airways, which can be attributed to the ingredients propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine. These substances can draw moisture out of the mucous membranes, leading to dryness in the mouth and throat.
2. Coughs and sore throats: Coughs and sore throats are particularly common with high nicotine concentrations or strongly flavored liquids. This can also be caused by the heat of the vapor, especially with intensive use.
3. Dizziness and nausea: Dizziness, nausea or headaches can occur, especially when using e-cigarettes with high nicotine levels. This is particularly common among beginners or users who are not used to nicotine.
4. Dry mouth and thirst: Vaping can lead to dry oral mucosa. Frequent consumption without sufficient hydration can also trigger an increased feeling of thirst.
5. Allergic reactions: In rare cases, vapers can have an allergic reaction to ingredients in e-liquids, such as flavorings or propylene glycol, which is contained in most liquids. This can manifest itself in skin rashes, breathing difficulties or itching.
6. Long-term risks: As e-cigarettes are still a relatively new product, the long-term effects of vaping on health have not yet been conclusively researched. However, studies to date indicate that vaping can promote inflammation of the airways and other lung-specific diseases.

Most of these side effects can be minimized through conscious use, for example by choosing liquids with a low nicotine content or drinking sufficient fluids when vaping. Nevertheless, it is advisable to pay close attention to possible symptoms and consult a doctor if problems persist.

Passive smoking vs. passive vaping

Passive smoking poses considerable health risks, as the smoke contains toxic substances that are inhaled by bystanders. In contrast, the risk of passive vaping is significantly lower, as e-cigarettes produce vapor rather than smoke. Exposure of children: A British study found that children exposed to vapor from e-cigarettes had 84% lower blood levels of cotinine (a nicotine metabolite) than children exposed to smoke from tobacco cigarettes.

Passive smoking and passive vaping often also occur indoors. The risk posed by cigarettes is higher here. This is because as soon as a cigarette is lit, smoke is constantly released into the environment. Vapes have the advantage that the vapor is only absorbed passively when exhaling. The disadvantage, on the other hand, is that vapes are more often consumed indoors than cigarettes.

Are e-cigarettes suitable for quitting smoking?

E-cigarettes have proven to be an effective means of quitting smoking. A Swiss study published in the Tagesanzeiger newspaper shows that around 25% of e-cigarette users quit smoking within a year, compared to only 15% of those who used nicotine patches. These results highlight the potential of e-cigarettes as an effective aid to quitting smoking, particularly for smokers who have difficulty with conventional methods.

A self-conducted vape survey via our online store with 322 participants also shows that a large proportion of ex-smokers feel more comfortable since switching to e-cigarettes.

Scientific studies on e-cigarettes

Several scientific studies confirm that e-cigarettes are significantly less harmful than conventional cigarettes. According to a study in the Swiss Medical Weekly, vapers have a lower exposure to toxic substances compared to smokers. These and other studies suggest that e-cigarettes can play an important role in harm reduction.

In contrast, there is also a study by scientists at the University of Innsbruck which shows that epithelial cells in the mouths of smokers, e-cigarette users and snus consumers exhibit similar epigenetic changes to cancer cells. These so-called "pro-carcinogenic" patterns can identify with over 90% accuracy whether someone consumes e-cigarettes or snus - even with only a slight tobacco history.

Conclusion: not vaping or smoking is best

Are vapes more harmful than cigarettes? This is almost certainly not the case, as there are simply far fewer harmful substances in the vapor. However, the studies on e-cigarettes are still very contradictory and the potential dangers of vapes therefore remain difficult to assess. But one thing can be said with certainty: completely avoiding nicotine in the form of smoke, vapor or snus is guaranteed to be the best choice for your health.