Millions of former smokers in Europe used vaping to stop smoking. Although these products have been on the market since 2007, there is still a lot of misinformation about them.
Here, we aim to dispel some of these myths and let the facts speak for themselves.
THE MYTH
Vaping is just as bad for your health as smoking.
THE FACTS
While not harmless, major public health practitioners, anti-smoking NGO’s and regulators around the world recognize vaping as being far less harmful than smoking: 95% less harmful, according to Public Health England. This is because the major toxicants in cigarette smoke are created by combustion, while e-cigarettes vaporize. Learn more.
THE MYTH
Nicotine causes cancer and is the main cause of smoking related disease.
THE FACTS
Nicotine is highly addictive, is not harm-free and no-one should start using it. However, the carcinogenic substances in cigarettes that can cause cancer, like tar, are created by the combustion of tobacco. Vaping allows smokers to continue to use nicotine without tar and other harmful combustion products. Learn more.
THE MYTH
Vaping doesn’t really help people stop smoking completely.
THE FACTS
Evidence from both survey data and clinical trials show that a smoker is far more likely to stop completely when switching to vaping than by going “cold turkey” or using nicotine replacement therapies. Eurobarometer data suggests around 3 in 10 vapers stop using cigarettes completely. Many vapers who quit completely use non-traditional flavors. Learn more.
THE MYTH
Vaping is a “gateway” to smoking for children and young people.
THE FACTS
Vaping is a potentially less harmful alternative to smoking. Underage people and non-smokers should not use nicotine in any form, including vaping. Very few young people vape regularly in Europe and the overwhelming majority of nicotine users start with boxed cigarettes. Learn more.