Vaping Vs. Cigarettes
Discover the key differences between vaping and smoking, including their health risks, ingredients, addiction potential, and secondhand exposure effects. Learn about quitting aids and safer alternatives.
Written by Dr.Sonia Bhatt
Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
Vaping and smoking are two popular methods of nicotine consumption, but they differ significantly in their delivery and associated health risks. Although vaping is often seen as a safer alternative, both practices come with health concerns, particularly for young people. This article will compare the risks and long-term effects of vaping and smoking to better understand their potential dangers.
1. Definition and Overview of Vaping
Vaping involves inhaling an aerosol produced by an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or vape device. This aerosol contains several chemicals, including nicotine and flavoring agents. Unlike traditional smoking, vaping does not involve combustion, but it still exposes users to a range of potentially harmful substances.
2. Definition and Overview of Cigarettes
Smoking is the act of inhaling and exhaling the smoke produced by burning plant material, typically tobacco, that is wrapped in a cigarette. The process involves lighting the cigarette, drawing smoke through the filter, and breathing it into the lungs. The smoke carries nicotine, along with a host of toxic chemicals, into the body, affecting the brain and other organs through the bloodstream. Smoking has well-documented harmful effects on health, including an increased risk of lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory issues.
Composition and Ingredients
The composition and ingredients of vape and cigarettes includes the following:
1. What is in Vape Juice?
Contains propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG) as base liquids.
Includes nicotine in varying strengths, with options for nicotine-free liquids.
Flavoured with food-grade additives, such as fruit, menthol, or dessert flavours.
May contain a small amount of water.
Does not involve combustion, but still delivers nicotine and other chemicals into the lungs.
2. What Chemicals are Found in Cigarettes?
Made from tobacco leaves, which release harmful chemicals when burned.
Contains nicotine, the addictive substance found in tobacco.
Produces tar, a sticky residue linked to lung disease and cancer.
Releases carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas that affects oxygen levels in the blood.
Includes various toxic and carcinogenic substances.
3. Differences in Nicotine Delivery
The difference in nicotine delivery in vape and cigarettes are as follows:
1. Vape
Nicotine is inhaled as a vapour and absorbed through the lungs.
Delivery speed depends on device type and user behaviour.
Some devices allow for stronger and faster nicotine absorption than cigarettes.
2. Cigarettes
Nicotine is absorbed through the lungs and oral mucosa.
Delivery is slower and more variable due to the combustion process.
Additional chemicals enhance nicotine absorption and increase addiction potential.
Health Impacts
The health impacts can be divided in two categories for vaping and smoking cigarettes and they are short-term effects and long-term effects.
1. Short-term Health Effects of Vaping
The short-term health impacts of vaping are as follows:
Can cause irritation in the throat and lungs, leading to coughing.
May result in shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
Some users experience headaches, dizziness, or nausea, particularly with high nicotine levels.
Potential for nicotine addiction due to rapid absorption.
Some cases of burns and injuries reported due to battery malfunctions or explosions.
2. Short-term Health Effects of Smoking Cigarettes
The short-term health impacts of smoking cigarettes are as follows:
Causes immediate irritation in the throat and lungs.
Leads to increased heart rate and blood pressure, putting strain on the cardiovascular system.
May result in bad breath, stained teeth, and reduced sense of taste and smell.
Increases risk of coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath due to tar buildup.
Can trigger asthma attacks and worsen respiratory conditions.
3. Long-term Health Consequences of Vaping
The long-term health impacts of vaping are as follows:
Can damage the lungs, increasing the risk of respiratory diseases.
Releases free radicals into the body, which may promote cancer development.
May weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections.
Can delay brain development in fetuses, children, and teenagers when exposed to nicotine.
Some evidence suggests a higher risk of respiratory disease compared to non-smokers.
4. Long-term Health Consequences of Smoking
The long-term health impacts of smoking cigarettes are as follows:
Increases the risk of cancer in nearly any part of the body, including the lungs, kidneys, and stomach.
Causes blockages in veins and arteries, raising the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Leads to reduced sperm count and fertility issues.
Raises the likelihood of pregnancy loss and congenital disabilities in expecting mothers.
Contributes to cataracts and vision impairment.
Impairs immune system function and increases general inflammation in the body.
Can trigger severe asthma attacks and worsen chronic respiratory conditions.
Risks of Addiction
The risk of addiction to vaping and smoking are as follows:
1. Risks of Vaping
The risks of vaping are:
Nicotine Exposure: E-cigarettes can contain high levels of nicotine, which can impair brain development in fetuses, children, and teenagers.
Harmful Chemicals: Vape liquid contains dangerous substances, including diacetyl, cancer-causing chemicals, heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Exposure can occur through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact.
Lung Injury: Vaping has been linked to E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI), a serious condition that has resulted in thousands of cases and dozens of deaths. Many cases involve products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Unknown Long-Term Effects: Since vaping is relatively new, its long-term health impacts are still being studied, raising concerns about potential risks.
2. Risks of Smoking Cigarettes
The risks of smoking cigarettes are:
Severe Organ Damage: Smoking harms every organ in the body, contributing to multiple health conditions.
Lung Cancer Risk: Smoking accounts for 90% of all lung cancer deaths.
Chronic Respiratory Disease: It causes around 80% of deaths from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Heart Disease and Stroke: Smokers have a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and other life-threatening conditions.
Secondhand Exposure
The risks for secondhand exposure to smoke and vaping are as follows:
1. Risks of Secondhand Smoke from Cigarettes
The risks of secondhand smoke from cigarettes are as follows:
Respiratory Issues: Can trigger asthma attacks, worsen chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cause respiratory infections.
Cardiovascular Disease: Increases the risk of high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes.
Cancer: Linked to lung cancer, breast cancer, nasal sinus cavity cancer, and nasopharyngeal cancer.
Other Health Problems: Can lead to premature death, reproductive health complications, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
2. Risks of Secondhand Vape Aerosol
The risks of secondhand smoke from vape aerosol are as follows:
Respiratory Issues: Can cause shortness of breath, wheezing, and bronchitic symptoms.
Cardiovascular Disease:May increase the risk of cardiovascular disease due to exposure to ultrafine particles in the aerosol.
Other Health Problems:Can cause headaches and irritation of the eyes, nose, and airways.
Cessation and Quitting Aids
Cessation and quitting aids are designed to support individuals in their journey to quit smoking, offering a range of tools and resources to manage cravings, reduce withdrawal symptoms, and increase the chances of long-term success.
1. Quitting Smoking: Available Aids and Methods
Available aids and methods for quitting smoking are as follows:
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): Options include nicotine patches, gums, lozenges, inhalers, and nasal sprays to help reduce withdrawal symptoms.
Prescription Medications: Doctors may prescribe varenicline (Champix) or bupropion (Zyban) to help manage cravings and withdrawal effects.
Behavioural Support: Counselling, support groups, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can provide motivation and strategies to quit.
Digital and Mobile Support: Quit-smoking apps, online forums, and helplines offer 24/7 guidance and encouragement.
Lifestyle Changes: Engaging in regular physical activity, practicing relaxation techniques, and managing stress effectively can help reduce cravings and support long-term smoking cessation.
2. Quitting Vaping: Approaches and Support
Available aids and methods for quitting vaping are as follows:
Gradual Nicotine Reduction: Lowering nicotine levels in e-liquids over time can help ease withdrawal symptoms.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): Products like nicotine patches or gum can support those transitioning from vaping to quitting entirely.
Counselling and Support Groups: Talking to health professionals, therapists, or peer support groups can help address triggers and dependence.
Setting a Quit Plan: Establishing a clear quit date, tracking progress, and identifying triggers can improve success rates.
Lifestyle Changes: Regular exercise, mindfulness techniques, and stress management can help reduce cravings and prevent relapse.
Conclusion
Both smoking and vaping pose health risks, with smoking causing severe diseases like cancer and heart disease, while vaping exposes users to harmful chemicals and potential long-term effects. Secondhand exposure to both is also dangerous.
Quitting is the best option, with aids like nicotine replacement therapy, counselling, and lifestyle changes available. Prioritising a smoke-free and vape-free lifestyle promotes better health and well-being.
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