It’s no secret the smoking revolution changed how the world viewed nicotine. Smoking went from a symbol of glamor and power to one of poor health and pollution. As smoking started to become increasingly frowned on, one thing remained clear – the world was still addicted to nicotine. But thankfully, over the last decade, a new option has arrived that has revolutionized smoking like never before.

Enter vaping, the newest and coolest way to satisfy nicotine cravings. And while vaping gets its fair share of criticism – have no doubt, it has been a (magic) wand-waving phenomenon in the battle against traditional cigarettes. Through vaping, smokers now have a way to cut down on their smoking, switch to a healthier alternative, and customize their smoking experience.

Today, we’ll take a deep dive into vaping and examine the ways it has revolutionized smoking. We’ll look at the health benefits, lifestyle advantages and technological strides made in vaping that make it so appealing. So let’s jump in and learn just how vaping has revolutionized the smoking industry.

What is Vaping?

Vaping is a behavior that has become increasingly popular over the past decade. In simplest terms, it is the act of inhaling an aerosol, containing nicotine and other chemicals, from a device such as a vape or e-cigarette. Recent reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have indicated that from 2016 to 2017, vaping among high school students nearly doubled. Proponents of vaping argue that it can be used as a successful tool for smoking cessation and provide satisfaction for users with lower risks than traditional cigarettes. On the other hand, opponents are quick to point out the potential health risks associated with vaping, including throat irritation and respiratory problems as well as its correlation with an increased risk of smoking combustible cigarettes among minors.

The debate is still ongoing to determine how safe and effective vaping truly is in comparison to smoking combustible cigarettes. Nevertheless, research shows us that the number of individuals who started using e-cigarettes to quit smoking has risen significantly compared to the past few years, indicating that there may be some benefit to this form of nicotine consumption. Furthermore, traditional cigarettes leave behind toxins that are not found in majority of vape products—this alone could prove to be an incentive for those looking for healthier alternatives to combustible cigarettes as well as contribute positively to one’s overall wellbeing.

At the end of the day, only time and further research will tell us more about the pros and cons of vaping but given what we know now—that it provides people with an easily accessible way to quit smoking while likely reducing harms—it would seem that vaping is here to stay.

Different Types of Vaping Devices

When discussing vaping, it is important to understand the different types of devices available on the market. Generally speaking, there are three main categories of vaping devices: open system/pod system, closed system/prefilled pod systems, and mechanical mods.

Open system/pod systems are becoming increasingly popular and allow users to fill the device with their own e-liquid. This gives them greater control and a wider range of flavors and nicotine concentrations than the other two types of vaping devices. On the downside, this type of device can be messy and require more maintenance compared to the other two types.

Closed system/prefilled pods come pre-filled with e-liquid and free users from having to refill or maintain their device. Users sacrifice some flexibility in terms of flavor and nicotine preference for convenience, cost effectiveness, and portability.

Mechanical mods are the most complex vaporizer devices and generally used by advanced users who prioritize power over convenience above all else. These devices usually have an array of advanced features that many vapers find attractive such as temperature control, battery safety protection, adjustable wattage & voltage levels and others. That being said, they may be intimidating for new vapers due to complexity and potential safety risks if not used correctly.

With all that being said, it really comes down to personal preference when deciding which type of vaping device you want to buy. There is plenty of information available online about each type so research is key if you want to make an informed decision. In any case, regardless of which device you end up choosing you are sure to experience great taste and incredible satisfaction!

Health Benefits of Vaping

One of the most significant arguments in favor of vaping to revolutionize smoking is the potential health benefits associated with it. Proponents site evidence of fewer detrimental substances and potential carcinogens present in vapor than in cigarette smoke as a primary benefit. In an analysis of the contents of e-cigarette vapor, researchers found that the vapor contains “fewer toxins compared with cigarette smoke”, which provides “evidence for less harm from exposures to chemicals emitted from e-cigarettes compared with cigarettes” (“E-cigarette vapor contains lower concentrations”). The research also suggests that since chemicals can be eliminated from vapor by using lower power levels, higher power settings didn’t necessarily translate to more harmful vapors or inhalation due to their never far enough away from burning point (“E-cigarette vapor contains lower concentrations”).

Additionally, when we compare the use of other combustible tobacco products such as cigars and hookah with vaping, the contrast is stark. Even though hookah often has flavors associated with it, it delivers 40 times more tar and 10 times more carbon monoxide than cigarettes when used (Danovitch). As a result, people who otherwise use hookah and cigarettes could turn to vaping instead and experience decreased nicotine cravings while reducing potential health risks.

But combining evidence from multiple studies suggests that there are still risks involved when using electronic cigarettes: Studies that used “substantial exposures to aerosol emitted from ECs [electronic cigarettes] have reported genotoxicity in adenocarcinoma cells” as well as adverse effects on pulmonary functions due to airway constriction if high concentrations of vapor are inhaled regularly (Davey, Giorlando & Murphy). Therefore, we must indicate that while reduced risk is possible when switching to vaping, we do not know what short or long terms hazards exist until further research data is available.

Given these accounts on both sides of the argument, it is clear there is much more understanding needed before moving forward with any one opinion or viewpoint. For this reason, many researchers are beginning to explore if vaping can play a role in harm reduction as an alternative to combustible tobacco products and how to maximize its positive impact if so. As we move forward into our next section about harm reduction discussing this new perspective further, keep in mind that caution should still be taken when considering any use of e-cigarettes regardless of your opinion on the matter.

• A study published in 2019 found that e-cigarettes may have up to 93% fewer carcinogens than conventional cigarettes.
• According to a 2020 review, using e-cigarettes vs traditional cigarettes is estimated to reduce exposure to cancer-causing agents by up to 99%.
• Research published in 2017 showed that vaporized nicotine delivery from e-cigarette devices can range from 50%-100% more efficient than traditional cigarette smoking.

Harm Reduction from Substances & Tobacco Smoke

Harm reduction from substances and tobacco smoke has been one of the major advantages of vaping compared to smoking cigarettes. In 2015, Public Health England declared that “vaping is 95 percent less harmful than smoking,” a conclusion that is still widely accepted. Smokers who were trying to quit cigarettes often found it difficult due to the withdrawal they experienced when cutting back on nicotine intake. Vaping provided a solution by allowing users to reduce the amount of nicotine consumed over time while maintaining their habit. Furthermore, it eliminated carcinogens often associated with smoking such as tar and other toxins produced as a result of combustion.

The debate between vaping versus smoking has been heated in recent years, however studies continue to show that vaping remains a relatively healthy alternative. A study conducted in 2017 at Roswell Park Cancer Institute found that switching to vaping reduced levels of measured carcinogen exposure by 97.5%. This significant difference in carcinogen exposure for those who switched from cigarettes to e-cigs was attributed to the lack of combustion when using an electronic device compared to conventional cigarettes. The data gathered from this study supported the efficacy of harm reduction from tobacco smoke when users choose vaping as an alternative.

Numerous other studies have come out in support of vaping as providing a risk reduction from tobacco smoke, making it seen as a safer choice for those who are looking for alternatives or seeking help quitting altogether. While there may still be some harmful chemicals present in e-liquids, the numbers suggest the risks are significantly lower compared to smoking traditional tobacco products such as cigarettes and cigars. While there are certainly two sides to this argument, research continues to point towards vaping as an effective harm reduction method over conventional smoking methods.

As interest in vaping continues to grow, so too does the selection of liquid flavors available for users to choose from. From classic tobacco flavorings to fruit and menthol varieties, vapers now have numerous options when deciding what type of juice they wish to use in their device. Be it subtle or extreme, vapers now have more choices than ever before when it comes down to what goes into their devices when they vape.

Variety of Flavors for Vaping Liquids

When it comes to vaping, people often think of the large variety of flavors available. From fruity grape and watermelon to coffee and menthol, there is something for everyone with e-cigarette liquids. One study found that the majority of vapers cite flavor selection as the most important factor when it comes to choosing a device or product, with many stating that the ability to customize their vaping experience was an important part of why they opted for vaping over other smoking cessation options.

While there are many advocates who point to the wide range of flavors as one of the benefits of vaping for those looking to quit combustible cigarettes, opponents caution that these flavoring agents could be potentially hazardous and can even lead to long-term health risks like pulmonary diseases. For example, a 2020 study on mice exposed to nicotine-free flavored e-liquid used in vaping showed changes in airway epithelial cells which could contribute to increased inflammation and lung injury.

It’s clear that while vaping liquids come in a large variety of flavors that could appeal to people looking to switch away from combustible cigarettes, there are still questions surrounding potential negative effects on health. As research continues and more studies are conducted, it may become clearer what effects these flavored liquids have on human respiratory health.