People today often accept what they see or hear without questioning it. How many times has a meme popped up on a social network and viewers shared it countless times before anyone learned it was a lie or satire? Men and women should accept nothing at face value today. They need to do their own research. A good example of misconceptions surrounding a product involves electronic cigarettes. People must learn about these devices on their own, not trusting what others say.
Do you remember the EVALI scare that swept the country a while back? Health experts, news reporters, and government entities blamed the e-cigarette market and called for additional regulations on the industry. However, they eventually determined that the overwhelming majority of individuals who became ill because of their vaping used black market products that contained THC. It wasn’t the vape products at fault but the liquids used in these products. What other myths remain widespread today when it comes to electronic cigarettes? Individuals who are considering vaping, those who just started vaping, and people who have been engaging in this activity for some time now need facts to fight these false claims.
A Gateway Drug
People often hear vaping is a gateway to tobacco use. Research shows this is not the case. In fact, one study found that limiting access to electronic cigarettes could push teens to use tobacco cigarettes. Another study showed less than one of every 300 vapors who never smoked turned to tobacco cigarettes after they tried vaping. Actually, traditional smokers appear to be turning to vaping today and kicking their tobacco habit for good.
Smoking Cessation
Critics state there is no evidence that vape products have helped men and women quit smoking. Research shows just how wrong they are in making this statement. The American Journal of Preventative Medicine published the results of a study that found that 31 percent of electronic cigarette users who started vaping to kick their smoking habit hadn’t returned to cigarette smoking after six months. Anyone who wishes to quit smoking should look to vape products to help them achieve this goal.
Vaping Poses the Same Health Risks as Tobacco Cigarettes
Although researchers have yet to determine if there are long-term health effects associated with vaping, they know this habit comes with fewer health risks than conventional smoking. They determined this by looking at the substances found in cigarette smoke and those found in vape products. Traditional cigarettes contain many carcinogens that aren’t present in vape products. The smoke produced by an electronic cigarette is vapor, hence the name vaping. This vapor comes from water and has no odor or lingering cloud that others will inhale. In addition, men and women who give up tobacco cigarettes and move to vaping find their taste and smell return.
E-Cigarettes Pose a Fire Hazard
News reports of exploding electronic cigarettes dominated the news a few years ago. While some devices exploded and caught fire, these instances were rare and the result of human error. The US Fire Administration looked at this issue and found that failure rates are low when people consider the overwhelming number of products today making use of lithium-ion batteries.
Users need to read and follow all manufacturer instructions when making use of vape products. Furthermore, they should invest in high-quality products and avoid altering the battery or e-liquids. Individuals who do so find the risk of explosion and an accompanying fire is practically nil.
Retailers Sell Electronic Cigarettes to Teens
Although certain retailers skirt the law and sell electronic cigarettes to teens, they remain far and few between today. Reputable retailers aren’t willing to risk their license, fines, and more, which is what they are doing when they sell to underage patrons. Critics say vape product manufacturers create packaging and flavors that appeal to teens. The manufacturers disagree, and this debate will probably never be settled.
Electronic Cigarettes Are Addictive
Many people state electronic cigarettes are more addictive than conventional cigarettes, but they show no proof of this assertion. They point to the variety of flavors available today, which manufacturers admit will make people want to try a range of options. However, this doesn’t mean they become addicted. It simply means they enjoy variety in their life and like to experiment with new things, even with their vape products. In fact, smokers and former smokers state they are less addictive, and who would know better than those who have used both products.
Electronic Cigarettes Contain Hidden Ingredients
Individuals worry that they won’t know what is in their electronic cigarettes and could damage their health as a result. However, products obtained through a reputable manufacturer don’t come with this concern. The manufacturer willingly shares their ingredient list, and many companies now have their products tested by an independent lab so consumers can feel safe using their products.
Electronic Cigarettes Contain No Nicotine
Nicotine remains present in most electronic cigarettes. However, they differ from conventional cigarettes in that users regulate the nicotine concentration found in the products they use. A person who smokes and wishes to move to electronic cigarettes will find they can start with an e-liquid that has a high nicotine concentration and slowly reduce the amount of nicotine they use. Manufacturers typically make the same product with different nicotine concentrations, making it easy for users to wean off this substance.
E-Cigarettes Contain Antifreeze
How many times has it been said that electronic cigarettes contain antifreeze? No reputable company would use this substance in any product meant for human consumption. Vape juices contain propylene glycol, a substance found in countless foods and medications. Antifreeze, in contrast, contains ethylene glycol. These two substances are completely different, so people can lay this concern to rest. When speaking with others, vapers need to come prepared with facts. If people share the same misconception again and again, many individuals assume it is a fact. It’s up to the vaper to set the record straight. Do so whenever possible, as vaping is an activity meant to be enjoyed. When people learn the truth, they may find this is something they want to know more about.
