What Is Vaping: Debunking Common Myths and Misconceptions
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Time to read 4 min
Table of Content
Introduction
Over the past decade, vaping has gained a lot of attention. It has become a popular option for smoking traditional tobacco products. However, there are still misconceptions about the practice of vaping. If you are considering switching to this practice or simply interested in trying it out, read on as we differentiate the facts from the myths so you can make informed decisions.
What is Vaping?
Vaping is the act of inhaling vapor, instead of smoke, from a vaping device. When you vape, you use an electronic battery-powered device, commonly an e-cigarette or a vape pen. You also need a liquid called e-liquid or vape juice. The device heats the liquid, creating an aerosol you breathe in through the mouthpiece.
Vaping device s come in different shapes and sizes. A vape pen looks like a pen, is refillable, and has a power button. Mods and pod systems have parts similar to vape pens but are box-like and have fillable tanks. Some come with USB ports as well.
If you want to try vaping but are not quite sure if it’s for you, try using disposable e-cigarettes. You discard them after a specific number of puffs, and they’re relatively cheaper than refillable vaping devices. The WAKA soFit FB3500 is an example of a disposable e-cigarette. Its simple design and excellent performance can give you a nice introduction to vaping.
Benefits of Vaping
1. Vaping Can Help You Quit Smoking
If you’re a smoker trying to quit, vaping may benefit you. When you vape, you inhale vapor with nicotine, which feels a lot like inhaling smoke when smoking. This means vaping can help satisfy your cravings caused by traditional cigarettes. Many people have quit smoking after trying vaping.
2. Vaping Can Be Cheaper Than Smoking Over Time
Switching to vaping can help your budget, as it can be more cost-effective than smoking in the long run. Initially, you will have to buy a reusable vape device. However, vape juices are relatively cheaper than packs of traditional cigarettes, so you spend less over time.
3. The Vaping Experience Is Similar to Smoking
Perhaps you smoke because it has become a habit, or you do it with social activities. Vaping has routines and rituals similar to smoking, so it can help you slowly stop smoking. You can lower the health risks caused by smoking traditional cigarettes when you vape.
The hand-to-mouth action in vaping is like that of smoking. You can also get similar sensations, such as the throat hit (that "kick" you feel in your throat when inhaling smoke). Thus, vaping can be an alternative to smoking.
Ingredients in Vape Juice
There are typically four main ingredients in vape juice or e-liquid: propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, nicotine, and flavorings.
The synthetic liquid commonly used in vape juice is propylene glycol (PG). It mainly helps create vapor when the vape juice is heated. Since PG is a thinner liquid, it provides you with a smoother hit. It also carries flavors effectively, so you get an enhanced taste experience.
Another important ingredient in e-liquid is vegetable glycerin (VG). It’s thicker and more viscous than PG, and makes denser vapor clouds. If you’re wondering why some say vape juice can be a bit sweet, VG is the component responsible for that.
Nicotine in tobacco products is what makes them addictive. This substance can also be found in many e-liquids, but there are also nicotine-free vape juices available. If you want to gradually cut down on nicotine, go for e-liquids with lower nicotine concentrations. Vape juices can vary in terms of how much nicotine they contain.
You may have noticed the wide range of vape juice available. Maybe this is what got you interested in vaping. Flavorings are added to e-liquids to create a variety of tastes. These flavorings enhance the overall vaping experience. You can choose from fruit flavors to dessert or beverage mixes. Opt for high-quality flavorings so you will have a pleasurable and enjoyable taste when vaping.
The idea that e-liquids are merely concentrated nicotine is a misconception. It’s a blend of multiple ingredients. Each component contributes to the vaping experience, from creating vapor and clouds to delivering flavors and, optionally, nicotine.
Regulatory and Safety Concerns
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sets standards for vaping products in the USA. The FDA ensures these products meet safety requirements. The regulations include manufacturing, labeling, and marketing practices.
The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has similar regulations. For example, the capacity of refillable e-cigarettes should not exceed 2 mL, and e-liquids should contain no more than 20mg of nicotine per ml.
Health Canada is responsible for making sure vaping product manufacturers, importers, and sellers comply with regulations in the country. The agency regularly performs inspections of these manufacturers, retailers, and even online stores.
Additionally, the US Environmental Protection Agency provides important information on the safe disposal of e-cigarettes, such as not putting the products in household trash or recycling and taking them to household hazardous waste collection site.
The safety concerns of vaping include the potential for batteries in vaping devices to explode and some e-liquids containing harmful chemicals. Improper use of these devices can cause battery explosions, so make sure you follow manufacturer guidelines carefully. Also, do not modify any vaping device, as it can malfunction and cause injuries.
Some e-liquids may include harmful chemicals that pose risks to your health. You may develop respiratory issues or other conditions while using them. Purchase your vaping products from reputable sources. By adhering to these safety measures, consumers can minimize risks and enjoy a safer vaping experience.
Conclusion
Because myths and misconceptions about vaping are widespread, it is important to understand the facts about the practice. Vaping can benefit you if you are trying to quit smoking. However, make sure you know what ingredients are in vape juice and if the vaping device you plan to use meets safety standards. If you are considering vaping, explore the array of reliable and convenient WAKA products. Stay informed and make choices based on accurate information.
