20 Vaping (E-cigarettes) Facts You Need to Know – Common Myths

Whether you are a hardcore vaper or a vape enthusiast, vaping facts are always interesting to learn. Exploring these facts will make you an educated vaper and uplift your vaping game. You may be surprised to discover the unexplored world of vaping. 

This article categorized 20 popular facts into four segments, namely, health-related, flavor-related, kit-related, and recent information. Moreover, you will find some common myths about vape and the truth.   

So, without further ado, let’s dive in. 

5 Health-Related Facts About Vaping 

Our biggest concerns about vaping are related to the impacts on our bodies and health. Here are 5 vaping facts related to physical and mental health. 

Vapor Produces Less Toxin Component

The vapor produced by vape or e-cigarettes contains far fewer harmful chemicals than the smoke from traditional cigarettes. Vapor’s chemical composition is a far cry from smoke’s. 

Cigarette smoke is a concoction of many chemicals, some of which are harmful and carcinogenic. It contains substances like carbon monoxide, tar, and toxins. On the other hand, vapor is not smoke but aerosol. 

The vapor contains fewer harmful chemicals compared to traditional smoke. It is a mixture of, inter alia, vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol, a different assortment of flavors, and nicotine, if you prefer nicotine. Even though the components can’t be said blanket safe, they are not as life-threatening as traditional tobacco smoke. 

Addictive Feature Of Vape 

You must get excited knowing the non-harmful nature of vape. But hear me out. Although vaping devices possess fewer detrimental chemicals, the nicotine mixed in the vapor can still put you into addiction. Because, just like in traditional cigarettes, the nicotine in e-cigarettes is highly addictive. 

Nicotine is the primary addictive component. It triggers dopamine release and produces pleasure and satisfactory feelings. The lingering of such happy feelings puts you on a cycle and gradually leads to addiction and craving, no matter the form is vape or cigarette. 

The nicotine concentration in some e-liquids can possess a higher volume of nicotine than traditional cigarettes. So, if you really want to enjoy the benefit of quitting smoking with the help of vaping, opt for a vape that has 0% nicotine strength. 

Vape And EVALI

A pulmonologist is well-versed with this word EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury). The recent cases of lung injury have skyrocketed ever since vaping devices and e-cigarette marked their journey in the market. There have been over 2800 hospitalizations for this case. 

EVALI is a series of lung injuries that are associated with vaping products. Some common symptoms can be cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, fevers, etc. If it gets out of hand, it can lead to respiratory failure, as well. 

Even though the research in their area is still underdeveloped, it can be evidently linked to THC vape cartridges. 

Vape And Further Addiction 

Vape is regarded as a gateway drug that can potentially lead to more severe addictions, especially among the younger community. It has been reported that people who regularly vape are more susceptible to starting traditional smoking, which may further lead to more severe addictions. 

The underlying reason for such increasing addiction is nicotine. The constant nicotine exposure from vape creates a hunger for more, and eventually, the strength of the vape becomes inadequate. Not only nicotine but vaping can also initiate addiction to different substances they produce. 

Vape And Mental Health 

Nicotine and its relation to mental health is always a hot topic. It can’t be denied that nicotine possesses some therapeutic effects that can be useful for depression and anxiety. Many people with underlying depression have opted for nicotine-based products that they use as a coping mechanism. 

However, nicotine without proper medication and observation never brings any positive changes. In fact, it makes depression and anxiety worse. The relaxing effect of nicotine is temporary and often leads to more depression and anxiety once the effect wears off. 

Smoking, vaping, and other nicotine use elevates anxiety and tension. It leads to withdrawal symptoms and more cravings. Instead of curbing depression, it pushes you into severe mental health conditions.

5 Flavor-Related Facts About Vaping 

Flavors make the whole concept of vaping unique. But what can a flavor really do? Interested to know? Here are some vaping facts about flavors. 

The Flavor Can Increase Nicotine Consumption

The flavor in vaping devices is innovative and unheard of before their release. The added flavor diminishes the significant problem of traditional cigarettes: the pungent and nauseating smell of nicotine. With various fruity or menthol-y flavors, vaping devices can eliminate that bitter nicotine aftertaste. 

However, it strikes an issue as well. The flavors trigger more nicotine consumption as they mask the harshness of traditional smoke. The flavors are created to seem appealing and designed to leave a pleasant fruity flavor that would make you hit more. 

So, undoubtedly, the more flavor consumption, the more nicotine in the lung. A study shows over 66.1 million people are reported to have consumed vaping nicotine in one month. 

Flavoring Chemicals Can Cause  Respiratory Diseases

Not only nicotine but added flavorings can be a cause of respiratory and lung diseases. Diacetyl and Cinnamaldehyde are some major culprits that can cause severe damage to your body. 

Diacetyl is a banned food additive primarily used in microwave popcorn to give it a smooth, buttery taste. However, it wasn’t long before the harmful effects of such chemicals were discovered. They can cause coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, etc. 

Cinnamaldehyde is another flavoring chemical that is used to add a cinnamon taste. However, unlike actual cinnamon, Cinnamaldehyde started to cause irritation and damage to the respiratory organs. This chemical is responsible for inflammation and oxidative stress in the lungs. 

Popularity Among Youth Vapers 

Flavoring, included in e-cigarettes and vaping devices, has significantly contributed to the surge in youth vaping and nicotine addiction. Fruit, candy, mint, and menthol flavors are particularly enticing to young people, and they have been linked to an increase in e-cigarette usage among adolescents and young adults.

Flavors can help mask nicotine’s strong and unpleasant taste, making it simpler for young people to use e-cigarettes and vaping devices. Also, fruity, sweet, and minty scents activate the brain’s reward regions. 

It causes pleasant associations with vaping and boosts the chance of addictive usage. Flavors can make vaping appear less hazardous because young people link fruit and candy flavors with safe, familiar items. A recent study shows that blueberry lychee is the most favorite vape for 2024. 

A Long Way To Go For Concrete Research 

While there is no doubt regarding the harmful effect of vape aerosol on the lungs and other organs, there are still many lacunas in research on the long-term impact of vape. There are many speculations and conjectures, but since vape is still a novel invention, scientists can’t put their two cents without more concrete data. 

However, we can’t really say the research world is being sloppy at work. New research has already identified some harmful chemicals added to vape ingredients that can pose a danger to the human body in the long run. 

Vape Flavors Chemicals Can Break Down

When vape flavors are heated and inhaled, the chemical components can break down and develop new, possibly hazardous substances.

Some flavoring chemicals often present in e-cigarettes and vape devices, such as cinnamaldehyde and diacetyl, have been proven to change into other substances when aerosolized. When inhaled, these altered chemicals may harm the lungs and respiratory system.

Cinnamaldehyde can, when heated, degrade into benzene, a recognized carcinogen. Similarly, diacetyl might produce additional hazardous substances during the vaping process. 

5 Vape Kit Facts About Vaping 

Pod, Mod, pen, e-cigarette, so many names. What are these? If you want to know, go through these 5 interesting vaping facts about the device. 

Styles Of Vaping Devices 

If you walk into a vape shop for the first time, you will undoubtedly take a backstep, witnessing such an array of vape devices and their variations. The vaping industry offers various devices to meet the demands and tastes of multiple customers. Here are a few you can explore. 

Pod systems: These stealthy and compact devices work with reusable or pre-filled “pods” that hold the coil and e-liquid. They are well-liked by beginners and casual vapers as they are frequently compact, light, and simple to use. Elfbar or EB Create are the top disposable vape in the industry. 

Box mods: These bigger, more potent devices allow vapers to adjust parameters like temperature and wattage. They frequently have sophisticated features like an interchangeable atomizer, tank compatibility, and customizable airflow. “Advanced” vapers who have more experience tend to use box mods. 

Pen-style vapes: These devices resemble pens or slender cylinders, combining the personalization of box mods with the simplicity of pod systems. When switching from cigarettes to vaping, they are a popular option.

Mechanical Mods: The most sophisticated and adaptable vape kits are mechanical mods, which let customers customize every element of their vaping experience. You will need great technical expertise to operate them safely.

Anatomy Of A Vape Kit 

Depending on what variants of vaping devices you use, the anatomy will change. However, here are some essentials that are present in every vape. 

Mod: Mod is the short form of ‘modification.’ This is the main body of a vape device. If you dissect the mod open, you will find the battery and other components. Depending on the model, mod size can vary. 

Tank or Cartridge: You can already guess what this component does. Yes, it holds the e-juice that you hit in aerosol form. In disposable vapes, pods are not refillable. In other variants, you can change the cartridge or refill the flavor. 

Coils: When you hit a vape and feel the device, you will notice a part of the body is relatively warm. This is where the coil resides. The coil is the heating element that vaporizes the e-juice. The better the coil performance, the better the hit. 

Higher Nicotine Concentration 

Certain vape kits have incredibly high nicotine concentrations, which might be dangerous, especially for beginners or inexperienced users. Numerous cutting-edge vape pens and e-liquids have nicotine concentrations on par with or higher than those found in a whole pack of regular cigarettes. 

For instance, some extreme, high-strength nicotine e-liquids may contain concentrations of up to 50 mg/mL. If a user is not used to such high doses of nicotine, the high concentration might cause quick absorption of nicotine and increase the danger of nicotine poisoning. 

An overabundance of nicotine can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, disorientation, and seizures. You can always opt for zero nicotine options. The dangers of nicotine toxicity and addiction can be reduced by starting with lower nicotine doses. 

Relaxing Waste Management  

How many times have you sneaked a cigarette pack into your home, but the ash and cigarette butts gave you away. The constant stream of ash, filters, and packets puts not only you but also the environment under threat. 

In contrast, vaping and e-cigarettes only produce vapor with no wasteful byproducts. And since vapes are reusable, you eschew creating a waste of traditional cigarettes. 

Nonetheless, a study revealed that the USA throws 4.5 disposable vapes per second, which is quite alarming. The best option for your pocket and the environment is to invest in a refillable mod that you can use for at least 1-2 years. 

Proper Battery Handling And Coil Installation

Coil installation and battery handling are essential safety factors for careful vaping. To get used to mod vape devices, you must learn to change the battery and install coils. 

Most cutting-edge vape devices run on batteries, so using them safely is essential. You must be aware of battery safety, including preventing damage, selecting the appropriate chargers, and carefully handling, storing, and transporting batteries.

Another crucial element is coil installation. For vaping to be safe and effective, coils must be placed correctly and have the proper resistance measured in ohms. Incorrect coil resistance can cause problems such as overheating, dry hits, and even dead batteries.

5 Recent And Interesting Facts About Vaping 

What’s the latest vaping world up to? Here are some interesting facts about the current events. 

The Vapor Is Quite Harmful 

Even though vapor from vaping devices and e-cigarettes is very different from traditional smoke, it is not short of harmful components. The aerosol the devices generate can contain dangerous chemicals like formaldehyde, acrolein, and acetaldehyde.

Formaldehyde is a preservative chemical generated when e-juice is heated inside a coil at a hot temperature. This chemical is carcinogenic and can trouble the lung barrier. 

Acrolein is a chemical you will find both in tobacco smoke and vaping aerosol. It can prove fatal for the lungs and cause inflammation. It is a leading cause of oxidative stress in the blood vessels. 

Acetaldehyde is a potential carcinogen. Similar to Acrolein, it is found both in tobacco smoke and vapor. In 150 puffs of vapor,  1.1 to 13.6 µg of Acetaldehyde is found. 

DNA Changes 

Recent studies have revealed parallels in DNA changes between smokers and vapers, especially in the development of lung cancer. 

Smoking and vaping both expose the lungs to toxic substances. These chemicals can potentially harm DNA, resulting in mutations that might help cancer development.

Research has shown specific genetic changes in lung tissue from e-cigarette users and smokers. These mutations impact essential genes involved in cell development, repair, and control.

Higher Chance Of Heart Failure 

Recent research has revealed that e-cigarette and vaping devices are explicitly associated with heart health. An extensive prospective study found that those who have ever used e-cigarettes had a 19% higher risk of developing heart failure than those who have never used them. 

Over 6 million individuals in the United States suffer from heart failure, a disorder that arises when the heart is too weak or rigid to pump blood efficiently.

34 Countries Have Banned The Sale Of E-Cigarettes.

A report from the WHO (World Health Organization) has highlighted that, as of 2023, thirty-four countries have banned the sale of vaping devices and e-cigarettes, and 87 countries have imposed restrictions on their sale and manufacturing. Unfortunately, the USA is far from regulating the sale and import of vaping products. 

The Lithium-Ion Batteries

Many disposable e-cigarettes utilize lithium-ion batteries, which have a potential lifespan of hundreds of charge cycles before failing. Nevertheless, these batteries are thrown away after a single usage when using throwaway gadgets, which is a significant resource waste.

Lithium-ion batteries, made of precious metals like nickel, cobalt, and lithium, require energy-intensive manufacturing procedures. Discarding these batteries after only one use is wasteful and inconsiderate.

Common Myths About Vaping And E-Cigs And True Facts 

Due to inadequate information and untrustworthy websites, much misinformation about vaping circulates. Don’t believe everything you hear, and always do a fact-check. Here are some much-needed myths bursting. 

Vaping And Smoking Are Equally Harmful. 

Myth: Many people equate vaping to traditional tobacco smoke. Even though there might be some similarities in configuration, there is hardly any equilibrium when it comes to health risks. 

Truth: According to most scientists, vaping is far less dangerous than smoking regular cigarettes. The research that is now available indicates that vaping has much less health hazards than using combustible tobacco products, even while it is not risk-free.

Vaping Can Lead To “Popcorn Lung”

Myth: “Popcorn Lung” is a layman’s term that indicates a disease named bronchiolitis obliterans. Many reports and websites falsely state that vaping causes popcorn lung. 

Truth: Popcorn lung is caused by the chemical “diacetyl” that we discussed previously. You will be exposed to popcorn lung only if your vape contains diacetyl. However, this chemical is banned from being used in vaping in the USA and UK. 

Exposure To Aerosol Vapor Is Not Harmful. 

Myth: Many people defend vaping, stating that vapor is an aerosol substance and completely harmless. Compared to tobacco smoke, aerosol is certainly less harmful. But it is not blanket-safe. 

Truth: E-cigarette aerosols may contain a wide range of substances, such as nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerin, and different flavorings. Several of these compounds have been linked to negative health consequences.

Vaping Is Similar Addiction To Traditional Cigarettes. 

Myth: Both tobacco cigarette and vape contains nicotine. It is the prime addictive substance. So, it’s not unfathomable to level these products up. However, even with the presence of nicotine, the addiction quota is at the higher end of traditional cigarettes. 

Truth: Although addiction to nicotine can develop with either, the fundamental processes for addiction are different. Compared to vaping, cigarettes provide a more rapid and powerful “hit” of nicotine because they transport the chemical to the brain considerably rapidly.

What Are The Signs Of Nicotine Addiction From Vaping?

How to tell if you or someone else is falling into the trap of nicotine addiction? This information is very handy and can save lives. So, here are some common signs. 

Cravings And Withdrawal Symptoms 

When unable to consume nicotine, a person may get agitated and anxious, have trouble focusing, and have headaches. 

Increased Tolerance 

As a person’s body grows desensitized, they may require more nicotine over time to get the desired results.

Quitting Becomes Hard 

Despite a willingness to do so, there have been some unsuccessful attempts to cut back or stop using nicotine. Resuming inhaling nicotine only after a few days of quitting. 

Irritability In Behaviour 

When the nicotine cycle is broken, the user becomes more irritated, hotheaded, and visibly aggressive. 

What Should Beginners Know Before Buying Their First Vape Kit? 

If you are just about to purchase your first vaping device, go through the list.

Vaping Experience: As a novice, starting with a simple pod vape is better. But if you are confident that you can configure the complex settings of a mod vape, use it at the standard setting first. 

Nicotine Strength: If you are planning to quit smoking, opt for zero nicotine options. Otherwise, you can choose from 2%-5% as per your tolerance. 

Branded Products: Sadly, many counterfeit products are available on the market. So, do your research first and purchase only from trusted shops or websites. 

Budget: Vaping devices are available across a wide range of prices. It’s important to determine a budget that works for you, as you don’t need to overspend to find a device that suits your needs as a beginner.

How Does Vaping Impact Indoor Air Quality? 

Vaping certainly impacts the air quality of the room. Even though vapes don’t produce tobacco smoke, the aerosol vapor emits toxic substances. Some of these substances are Benzene, Formaldehyde, and Nicotine. 

These substances can linger in the indoor air and can pose a danger to your respiratory system, even after hours of vaping. So, if you are to vape inside a room, you better open the windows and use an air purifier to be safe. 

What Are The Legal Restrictions On Vaping? 

Since there is much confusion and speculation about the long-term effects of vaping, some states and regions have undertaken stricter measures. Here are some restrictions you may face while purchasing or using a vaping device. 

Restriction In Nicotine Strenght: 

In the USA and New Zealand, the maximum level of Nicotine strength is limited to 50 mg/ml. Whereas, in the UK and Canada, the bar is set as low as 20mg/ml. Moreover, e-liquids that contain higher nicotine concentrations than 10 ml are also banned in the UK. 

Age Restriction:

If you are in your early 20s, you must check your local laws to ensure you are of legal age to purchase vapes. It differs in different states. For example, in Alabama, you have to be 21 to purchase and use a vaping device. 

Importing 

Recently, many restrictions have been imposed on the importation of vaping devices and equipment. Australia has banned any import of disposable vapes from 2024. 

Vape-free Locations

In the USA, federal law prohibits users from vaping at the premises of a school, government facilities, childcare facilities, or hospitals. Some bars and restaurants have also restricted vaping inside their jurisdiction. 

Conclusion

If you are a keen vaper, browsing vaping facts is a wonderful way to elucidate yourself about the device and process. Not only can you show off insightful information with your vape buddies, but you can also learn ways to heighten your vaping experience. So, if you have gone through this whole article, kudos from me.

Frequently Asked Questions