Vapers using low rather than high nicotine e-cigarettes may be using their devices more intensely, potentially increasing the risk of exposure to toxins in the vapour, according to new research funded by Cancer Research UK and published in Addiction today.
Researchers, based at London South Bank University, studied 20 e-cigarette users and found that people using low nicotine e-liquid in their devices puffed more deeply and more often than those using high nicotine liquid. Those using low nicotine also increased the power of their vaping devices when possible.
Despite this 'compensatory' behaviour, the low nicotine vapers were unable to get as much nicotine as the high nicotine group. But in their quest to do so their puffing behaviour may have increased their exposure to toxins such as formaldehyde, a chemical formed when the e-cigarette liquid is heated.
While there can be toxic chemicals present in vapour, they are far fewer and generally at lower concentrations than in tobacco smoke. Evidence so far still shows both high and low nicotine e-cigarettes are far less harmful than smoking.
Vaping more intensely and at higher power raises the temperature inside the device which can cause the glycerine and glycol found in most e-liquids to break down.
This raises the risk of exposure to chemicals. While this exposure is generally still at far lower levels than with smoking, it should be minimised where possible. The low nicotine group also reported a stronger urge to vape, more acute withdrawal symptoms and were less satisfied after use.
This is similar to the evidence on using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in a quit attempt that shows that smokers need a sufficiently high dose of nicotine to increase their chances of successfully giving up tobacco by reducing cravings.
Dr Lynne Dawkins, lead author of the study based at London South Bank University, said: "Some vapers might believe that starting out on a low nicotine strength is a good thing, but they should be aware that reducing their nicotine concentration is likely to result in the use of more e-liquid. This obviously comes with a financial cost but also possibly with a health cost. The results of our study suggest that smokers who want to switch to vaping may be better to start with higher, rather than lower, nicotine levels to reduce compensatory behaviour and the amount of e-liquid used.
"Although e-cigarettes are much less harmful than smoking, the vapour can still contain some potentially harmful chemicals that present a higher risk to health than nicotine, which is relatively safe. Our research shows that more intense vaping behaviour associated with using low nicotine e-liquid has the potential to increase users' exposure to some of these chemicals. To draw any firm conclusions more research on a larger scale is needed."
Alison Cox, director of prevention at Cancer Research UK, said: "Let's be clear. While there are potentially harmful chemicals present in the e-cigarette vapour, there are far more in tobacco smoke. The best thing smokers can do for their health is to stop smoking, and switching to e-cigarettes is one way to do this.
"Tailored help and support from local Stop Smoking Service offers the best chance of stopping smoking for good. But this research suggests that a low nicotine approach may not be the best for everyone or the safest path to a successful attempt to give up. First time vapers should be prepared to experiment to find what suits them best and helps them to give up for good."
FAQs
Reducing the nicotine concentration of your e-liquid may be more harmful overall. You are likely to puff more intensely to maintain your nicotine levels and inhale more toxic chemicals. You will also need to refill more frequently at greater cost.
Are e-cigarettes effective for quitting smoking? ›
Nicotine vaping is substantially less harmful than smoking. It's also one of the most effective tools for quitting smoking. Vaping is not completely harmless and we only recommend it for adult smokers, to support quitting smoking and staying quit.
Are e-cigarettes bad for passive smokers? ›
As vaping is still relatively new, we can't be sure there aren't any long-term effects to people who breathe in someone else's vapour. But this is unlikely to be harmful. Passive vaping is not the same as passive smoking. This is because e-cigarettes do not contain tobacco.
Do your lungs heal when you switch to vaping? ›
Switching from smoking to vaping can reduce a person's exposure to highly toxic cigarette smoke, which may help the body to start healing. However, some chemicals in vapes have links to lung damage and disease and their long-term effects in relation to cancer are not yet clear.
How bad is vaping low nicotine? ›
Vaping overall, even without nicotine, can have harmful effects. Vaping, the act of vaporizing a liquid to inhale, is an increasingly popular alternative to cigarette smoking. However, it could damage health by irritating the lungs and throat and introducing toxins into the body.
What is the healthiest way to vape nicotine? ›
Per numerous experts, the best way to vape is by using top-notch, reliable devices and E-Liquids from dependable suppliers like us. Modern devices come with spot-on temperature controls and internal chipsets, making sure your E-Liquid is vaporised seamlessly, so you can worry less about inhaling any nasty stuff.
Why does vaping not help you quit smoking? ›
Vapes with nicotine can be as addictive as cigarettes, which doesn't do anything to help you quit. In fact, some e-cigarettes can deliver even more addictive nicotine, making it even harder to give them up.
What are the benefits of avoiding e-cigarettes? ›
The benefits include improvements to your health, your looks, your sense of taste and smell, your fitness and your finances. You will feel better about yourself and improve the health of family and friends around you. People often say that they feel a strong sense of pride when they quit vaping or smoking.
Does vaping without nicotine help quit smoking? ›
there was moderate-certainty evidence that quit rates were higher in people randomized to vapes containing nicotine compared to vapes not containing nicotine (RR 1.94, 95% CI 1.21 to 3.13; 5 studies, 1447 participants).
Is it bad to vape inside your house? ›
According to the American Cancer Society , secondhand vape exposure may be harmful because people may breathe in substances such as nicotine and toxic chemicals within the vapor. Secondhand vape aerosol may contain harmful chemicals such as: nicotine.
While vaping indoors is less harmful than smoking, there are still some steps you should take to make sure your indoor air quality is preserved. Open windows, run your HVAC system, use an air purifier, and turn on fans to keep air moving.
How to tell if someone is vaping in your house? ›
Signs a person is vaping
- A sweet scent in the air. ...
- Unfamiliar pens and USB drives. ...
- Drinking more water. ...
- Nosebleeds. ...
- Smoker's cough or mouth sores. ...
- New batteries and chargers. ...
- Discarded vaping pods and devices.
Try nicotine replacement therapy
Gum or lozenges, which are widely available in pharmacies and supermarkets, can help. There are many different types of nicotine replacement therapy, but using an inhalator is not recommended because it may take the place of your e-cigarette.
How do you reset your lungs after vaping? ›
Deep breathing exercises: To increase lung capacity and enhance airflow, engage in deep breathing exercises. Particularly helpful methods include diaphragmatic breathing. Avoid secondhand smoke: Steer clear of environments with secondhand smoke, as exposure to additional toxins can hinder the healing process.
How many years does it take for vape to damage your lungs? ›
Some studies suggest that vaping can cause lung damage after only three days of use. E-cigarette- or vaping-use-associated lung injury (EVALI) causes inflammation in your lung tissues. If you vape — even rarely — and develop symptoms of EVALI, see a healthcare provider or go to the ER.
Does vape juice with less nicotine burn faster? ›
We get a lot of questions here at eJuice Direct, and this is a very common one. In our previous blog, Does the Nicotine Level in e-Liquids Affect the Flavor?, we learned that nicotine can affect the flavor of an e-juice, but does it affect the burning speed? The simple answer is no.
How much nicotine is too much a day? ›
How Much Is Too Much? The CDC says 50 to 60 milligrams of nicotine is a deadly dose for an adult who weighs about 150 pounds. But some research suggests a lethal amount may be a lot higher. It's not likely you'll overdose on nicotine just from smoking cigarettes.
How many puffs of a 20mg vape is equal to a cigarette? ›
So, how many cigarettes are in a vape if you calculate by puff count? A smoker typically puffs on a cigarette around 10-15 times before putting it out, so let's be conservative and estimate that puffing on a vape 15 times is approximately equal to smoking one cigarette.
Is 3mg of nicotine a lot? ›
Is 3mg of Nicotine a Lot? 3mg nicotine strength is generally considered low and is in fact the lowest nicotine strength we stock (aside from 0mg). This strength is ideal for light smokers or vapers who have successfully weaned themselves off of higher strengths.
