The popularity of vaping has surged in recent years as a supposed "healthier" alternative to smoking. However, there is still much debate about whether vaping is actually worse than smoking for your health. Here we will take a closer look at the science behind both practices to determine which is more harmful.
Vaping involves inhaling an aerosol, also known as vapor, that is created by heating a liquid or e-juice in an electronic device, commonly known as an e-cigarette. The liquid typically contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. While vaping is often marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, the long-term effects of vaping are still unknown.
Smoking involves inhaling smoke created by burning tobacco or other substances. Smoking is a leading cause of preventable death worldwide and is associated with numerous health risks, including lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Tobacco smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, including at least 70 known carcinogens.
While vaping has been marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, research suggests that vaping may actually be worse for your health than smoking. According to a study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, e-cigarette use is associated with an increased risk of chronic lung disease, asthma, and COPD, compared to those who have never smoked.
Moreover, recent studies have found that the chemicals in e-cigarette vapor can cause damage to cells in the lungs and increase the risk of lung cancer. Some of the chemicals found in e-cigarette vapor include formaldehyde, acrolein, and diacetyl, which are all known to cause respiratory problems.
On the other hand, smoking has been associated with numerous health risks, including lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke. While vaping may not contain the same carcinogens found in tobacco smoke, it still poses health risks, including addiction to nicotine and lung damage.
In conclusion, while vaping may be marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, the long-term effects of vaping are still unknown, and recent research suggests that vaping may actually be worse for your health than smoking. Smoking, on the other hand, has been linked to numerous health risks and is a leading cause of preventable death worldwide. The best way to protect your health is to quit smoking or vaping altogether or never start in the first place.