Separating Fact from Fiction: Debunking Four Popular Misconceptions About Vaping

Understanding the reality of e-cigarettes instead of the myths that surround them is crucial in understanding the potential of harm reduction

Vaping is a form of tobacco harm reduction that has been both highly praised and highly disputed. Yet, how many criticisms against e-cigarettes are scientifically proven or up to date? Below, we explore four common misperceptions regarding vaping and their accompanying reality:

Myth: Vaping is as harmful as smoking cigarettes

Reality: Ongoing, current scientific evidence shows that vaping is significantly less harmful than smoking traditional cigarettes. Public Health England and the Royal College of Physicians have stated that e-cigarettes are at least 95% less harmful than smoking. Studies comparing the toxicant levels in e-cigarette aerosol to cigarette smoke have found significantly lower levels of toxic chemicals in vapour, indicating reduced exposure and potential harm.

Myth: Vaping leads to an addiction and dependence on nicotine

Reality: While e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is a dependence-forming compound, the dependency potential varies depending on factors such as nicotine concentration and frequency of use.

Myth: Vaping causes popcorn lung

Reality: Popcorn lung is a severe lung disease characterised by inflammation and scarring of the airways. However, the term “popcorn lung” originated from a few cases of bronchiolitis obliterans among workers exposed to high levels of diacetyl, a flavouring chemical, in microwave popcorn factories. Diacetyl is present in some e-cigarette flavours but typically at much lower levels than those found in industrial settings. Furthermore, most reputable e-liquid manufacturers have removed diacetyl from their products, significantly reducing the risk. There is no evidence to suggest that vaping causes popcorn lung at the levels found in e-cigarettes. This serves as another example of why the acceptance, legalisation and regulation of e-cigarettes are crucial to dispelling myths and ensuring continued safety.

Myth: Vaping leads to EVALI

Reality: EVALI, or E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury, is a severe respiratory illness that emerged in 2019 and was associated with e-cigarette use. EVALI primarily affected individuals who used black market or counterfeit THC-containing vaping products, particularly those containing vitamin E acetate, an oil-based substance. Legal, regulated e-cigarettes sold by reputable retailers were not implicated in the outbreak. Public health agencies like the CDC have emphasised that EVALI cases have declined significantly since identifying vitamin E acetate as a primary culprit, and they do not attribute EVALI to standard e-cigarette use.