Everyone seems to have opinions about vaping these days. One person could say vaping changed their life, while another could believe using an e-cigarette is just as bad as smoking.
Then there are people who believe scaremongering stories about vaping - vape pens will explode in your pocket, e-liquid makes you fat, you're filling your lungs with water every time you inhale; but how many of these statements are true?
Here are 9 of the most popular vaping myths - debunked.
Vaping dessert e-liquid will make me fat
Some people may look at strawberry shortcake and cherry pie vape juice, then get into a panic. "I'm basically inhaling dessert, I'm going to gain weight".
Believe it or not, dessert-flavoured e-liquids aren't made by putting food in a blender then shoving it in a bottle. When you vape, you're taking in a mixture of nicotine, vegetable glycerine and propylene glycol. More to the point, you're not drinking the liquid - it would be very dangerous if you did.
E-liquid contains around 4 calories per gram on average, and if you're feeling hungry during the switch from smoking to vaping, this is probably because your appetite and taste buds are returning. Which is a good thing - but e-liquid isn't to blame.
"Vaping will fill my lungs with water"
Worried relatives or friends may ask you if you're worried about your lungs filling up with water, after spending the day taking in e-liquid. But this couldn't be further from the truth.
When you breathe in water vapour, it will be introduced into the lungs as a gas - therefore, it will partly be absorbed and partly get expelled when you breathe out again.
The water which is absorbed enters the bloodstream, and any excess is disposed by the kidney, lungs or skin.
"E-liquids are poisonous"
Many stories hit the headlines speaking of e-liquid poisoning - but it's important to remember that, more often than not, such stories come about as a result of people using such substances incorrectly.
If you take in large amounts of nicotine incredibly often, it won't be good for you. Similarly, drinking nicotine or e-liquid is incredibly dangerous and can lead to poisoning or even death. But vaping in itself should not be a cause for concern.
"Vaping is just as bad as smoking"
Although nicotine is an addictive substance, numerous studies have shown that vaping carries significantly fewer health risks than smoking, the UK government estimates at least 95% less harmful.
"E-cigarettes explode in your pocket"
E-cigarettes contain lithium ion batteries, the same as you will find in your cell phone. Batteries are designed for consumer use and should not pose any threat to safety as long as they're used properly. Follow these guidelines and there's no reason to worry, remember: ALWAYS store batteries safely in an insulated case NEVER put batteries loose in pockets or bags DO NOT overcharge or over-discharge batteries USE recommended chargers DO NOT use in devices that may short circuit REPLACE your batteries periodically NEVER use batteries that are damaged in any way.
"Vaping targets children and teenagers"
The act of vaping may entice young people, in the same way as cigarettes can pique their curiosity.
Unfortunately, lots of teenagers will try out smoking while underage, and the same goes for vaping.
Introducing any new product into the public sphere will generate interest and, most likely, abuse of that product, as it's human nature to explore and test boundaries.
Vaping in itself isn't designed to target children and teenagers - it was designed by people who wanted to stop smoking tobacco, and to help others do the same.
"Dark e-juices stain your teeth"
It's an easy conclusion to make when filling your device with chocolate or coffee flavoured vape juice - "Oh no, I'm going to get brown teeth now".
However, there is no evidence to suggest that e-liquids will stain your teeth. If you are feeling particularly paranoid, you could switch to a clear e-liquid, but coffee itself is more likely to make your teeth discoloured.
"Vaping hurts your lungs"
It's possible that vaping too much, especially when you first start, can make your throat sore, but it should not cause any discomfort to the lungs, or in general.
If it is, then trying a different e-liquid, cutting down on the amount you vape, and staying hydrated should improve your experience.
Making sure your device isn't heating up too much when you inhale should also prevent the possibility of an overly harsh hit.
"Vaping gets you high"
If you inhale a few too many sharp hits when you're just getting into vaping, then you may feel a nicotine buzz.
This will wear off as your body adjusts to vaping, but if you're regularly feeling "high" from it, that's probably because you're overloading your body with nicotine.
This isn't a good idea, and it's not recommended to vape with the intention of flooding yourself with chemicals - vape responsibly!
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