While seasoned vapers might feel like they know everything there is to know about vaping, e-cigarettes are still a relatively new technology. And just like any new technology, the world of vaping is rife with myth and misinformation. In this post we will attempt to break down some of the most common misconceptions.
Vapourcore BAZE E-Liquid
1. We don’t know what’s in e-liquid
In the UK, our e-liquids are governed under a set of laws called the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations - the UK's interpretation of the EU Tobacco Products Directive (TPD). This requires vaping products such as e-liquids and vape kits to a minimum standard of safety and quality. As well as this, e-liquid manufacturers must submit detailed information to the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), including a listing of all ingredients. Certain ingredients are banned, such as caffeine, diacetyl and added colourings. Plenty of research has been done to make sure that only well-made and legitimate e-liquid is available on the market.
2. E-cigarettes are harmful because they contain nicotine
While nicotine might be the most well-known substance in cigarettes, research from Public Health England shows it is actually carries minimal risk of harm to health. However, four out of 10 smokers and ex-smokers wrongly think nicotine is the cause of smoking-related cancer. The vapour from an e-cig does not contain carbon monoxide or tar - two harmful elements both found in tobacco smoke. And of course, not all e-liquid contains nicotine - a wide range of our e-liquids, including all shortfills, are available without nicotine!
3. Vaping can give you "popcorn lung"
This is in our opinion one of the common misconceptions about electronic cigarettes, and one that has been around for a long time. Bronchiolitis obliterans, commonly known as "popcorn lung", is a serious lung disease. This illness gained its name because it was first observed in workers at a popcorn factory. High levels of a chemical called diacetyl have been linked to this disease. Diacetyl has been used in e-liquids to give them a buttery flavour. However, diacetyl is now banned in e-liquid in the UK. As well as this, cigarette smoke has levels of this ingredient that are hundreds of times higher than what's found in vapour, and smoking isn't a major risk factor for this disease. So you can vape those buttery e-liquids worry-free!
4. "Second-hand vapour" is harmful to those around you
We all know that second hand smoke is harmful - it is banned in public places like shops and pubs because of this. However, these public smoking laws do not cover e-cigarette usage - companies can make their own policies on vaping on their premises. Cigarettes produce "side-stream smoke" - this is the smoke that comes from the burning tip of the cigarette - as well as the smoke that is exhaled by the smoker. Unlike cigarettes, e-cigs do not product side-stream vapour. PHE's evidence review in 2018 showed that no health risks have been found relating to second-hand vapour.
5. Vaping makes smoking seem attractive to youth
While studies have shown that in the UK, young people do sometimes experiment with e-cigs, regular vapers are almost always those who already smoke cigarettes. Most e-cigarette experimentation does not lead on to vaping regularly. Youth smoking is on the decline, while vaping overall is on the incline - so there is no link to suggest that more vapers means more young smokers. A good vape retailer will always check the age of their customers - you must be over 18+ to buy e-cigarettes or e-liquid in the UK in store or online. Concerns have been raised that fruity and sweet flavours will make vaping look good to young people - but we at Vapourcore know how important the right flavour is to staying away from cigarettes, and adults like sweet flavours too!
6. E-Liquid contains anti-freeze
This is another myths that have unfortunately stood the test of time. PG (propylene glycol) is one of the carrier components of e-liquid - it's used to create a base to which flavour and nicotine can be added. High-PG e-liquid is normally used in vape starter kits. Non-toxic antifreeze often used in the food industry contains PG - this is because it is not poisonous. While anti-freeze may contain PG, they aren't the same thing.
7. E-Liquid contains formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a naturally occurring substance in the body which is toxic in large doses. This chemical became linked to vaping when the New England Journal of Medicine published a study in 2015 showing that formaldehyde was present in e-cig vapour. However, to produce this substance, researchers had to use higher power settings than their coils could handle and generate dry hits. Ask any vaper - dry hits taste bad, and feel very harsh. They only happen by accident, and modern coils with sophisticated wicking technology such as mesh coils even further reduce the chance of the dreaded dry hit.
8. Exploding e-cigs
Most vaping devices are powered by lithium ion batteries - these are long lasting and powerful batteries. Due to their nature, damaged or incorrectly used batteries can become hazardous. This isn't a risk only with e-cigs - consider the recall of the Samsung Note 7 phone in 2017, where a battery fault was found to increase the risk of fire. The best way to protect yourself is to follow these simple battery safety tips:
- Keep your batteries in a protective case when not in use as if the battery comes into contact with metal objects (e.g. keys or coins) it could short circuit
- Replace your battery if it becomes damaged
- Do not charge your battery overnight or unattended
- Make sure the charger you are using is compatible with your mod if the battery is built in
- Consider an external battery charger - these have added safety features, and they charge your batteries quicker!
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