E-cigarettes and vapes have exploded in popularity within recent years, creating a new generation of interested consumers. Researchers and scientists are still investigating the long-term health effects of using vapes, but there are some things that are already known for certain.
1. Vapes contain nicotine, though usually less than traditional cigarettes.
Contrary to popular belief, most vaping products do contain a small amount of nicotine in them. Nicotine is the addictive chemical that causes dependence on cigarettes and has noted health hazards. Vapes are increasingly being used to break a nicotine addiction, and many people vape to gradually lessen their nicotine intake.
2. Vapes are being used more than traditional e-cigarettes.
E-cigarettes typically resemble the stereotypical cigarette and have limited options in terms of style, nicotine levels, and flavors. Vapes differ from e-cigarettes on these points and have risen in popularity due to this flexibility. More and more people are switching from the standard e-cigarettes to the possibilities of vaping, and the latter is increasingly dominating the market.
3. They may help users quit smoking.
Many smokers switch to e-cigarettes and vapes as a way to break their addiction. Vapes are considered to be less dangerous than regularly smoked cigarettes because of their lower nicotine content. Some vape users gradually bring down their nicotine cravings by vaping, though the possibility of continued addiction is always present. There is no guarantee that vapes will help smokers quit, however, and they do carry continued risks of addiction.
4. There is little regulation of the current vaping market.
The FDA has worked to establish safety standards for vaping manufacturers but has long been absent in the regulation of e-cigarettes and vapes. While this lack of oversight poses research challenges in understanding the long-term health effects of vaping, it has also opened the doors to a very diverse vaping market. Producers of e-liquids have had significant freedom to diversify their products in both quality and flavor.
For example, vape users have increasingly experimented with Gourmet E-Liquids, which represent the top of the line for vaping devices. Some of these products focus on using only natural and high-quality tobacco and other ingredients, while others offer gradations of nicotine content.
5. The spread of vaping has created new possibilities for vape enthusiasts.
With more and more people trying out vaping devices for all sorts of reasons (quitting cigarettes, exploring new flavors, or trying out vapes for the first time), the vape culture is responding accordingly. The research will continue to determine the health and safety of these products, while companies move to explore new experiences and possibilities for both e-liquids and vaping devices. Whether it's creating new flavors or new nicotine-free options, the social shift towards vaping will continue to drive the development of the industry.
Nicotine poses a real health concern for vape users, which is a risk that must be taken on responsibly. However, vapes could also offer a pathway out of cigarette addiction and could create a new type of smoking culture. It is certain that as vaping continues to be popularized and normalized, society will have a better understanding of both its positive and negative qualities.
