Fags Gone Poof!
I smoked cigarettes for 30 years, my breathing got so bad at times that I needed to use a Ventolin Inhaler in order for me to function. Admittedly it was only the mornings when I felt like this and it wasn’t everyday, but it was happening more and more as time went by.
I liked smoking, I didn’t want to give them up. I didn’t like the way they smelt, I certainly didn’t like the way they affected my health and of course the cost related to them.
I have been vaping for several months now and I feel so much healthier. Not only is my sense of smell much better, but I smell much better. My taste buds have returned in full glory, my energy levels are higher than they have been in decades, yes decades and I feel more mentally alert than I have in years. I sleep better, I wake better and the clincher for me is my breathing. I have started training again after 20 years, okay it’s not all smooth sailing, vaping has certainly improved my health but it hasn’t cured aging, yet.
Bias
I am obviously biased in relation to this topic and it would be hard for me to be objective, so I done some investigation in to the possible down sides of vaping too. Let’s look at the more well know questions that people are concerned about.
Possible Pros
Vaping Reduces Exposure to Tobacco
Vaporizers Eliminate the Bad Smells
Variety of Vaping Liquids and Flavours to Choose
E-cigarettes around 95% less harmful than tobacco
Possible Cons
Potential Health Risks of E-Cigarettes
Potential side effects such as dehydration. The e-liquid contains Propylene glycol (PG) whic can absorb and retain water, which can lead to dehydration. Some people may also be allergic to PG. Other thans the PG, nicotine has negative effects on blood sugar and the circulatory systems. It is addictive and particularly dangerous to pregnant women and breastfeeding.
Lack of Government Regulation on E-Cigarettes
The Irish Government are currently working on this and it won’t be an issue for too long.
Battery Explosions
While this was certainly true a couple of years ago and there were a few reported instances, It is basically down the equipment that you purchase. It would be wise to spend a little more on quality to ensure CE compliance.
Vaping Does Not Help With Quitting Addiction
This is probably true for many, perhaps even most. Some will reduce their nicotine levels over time, some even to 0.
Cheap Equipment, E-Liquids and Imitations
Not unlike the counterfeit cigarette black market, the e-cigarette world has counterfeits and cheap rip offs too. Some shops will offer you liquid for as little as €1. The cheaper can contain all sorts of chemicals and for the most part you don’t know what the ingredients are. There is only one way to avoid imitations and the actual headaches they can cause. Buy your liquid from a proper vaping store. It may be 2 or 3 euros more expensive but it comes with a complete list of ingredients, with most Irish e-liquid manufacturers, natural ingredients are used also.
But After All That……
Again, temporarily putting my bias aside;
According the GOV.UK British Government website
“An expert independent evidence review published today by Public Health England (PHE) concludes that e-cigarettes are significantly less harmful to health than tobacco and have the potential to help smokers quit smoking.
Key findings of the review include:
- the current best estimate is that e-cigarettes are around 95% less harmful than smoking
- nearly half the population (44.8%) don’t realise e-cigarettes are much less harmful than smoking
- there is no evidence so far that e-cigarettes are acting as a route into smoking for children or non-smokers
The review, commissioned by PHE and led by Professor Ann McNeill (King’s College London) and Professor Peter Hajek (Queen Mary University of London), suggests that e-cigarettes may be contributing to falling smoking rates among adults and young people. Following the review PHE has published a paper on the implications of the evidence for policy and practice. ” Read more from the GOV.UK Website
In conclusion;
Vaping is still in its infancy. We have a lot to discover on both sides of the pros and con divide, but for me and my bias, I am definitely benefiting from vaping as opposed to smoking, in more ways than one. For me, the fags have gone poof!
About the Author
Gorjus Greg Gregory Donaghy: Homeless, unemployable, misanthropic alien life form with a penchant for stating the obvious. Follow @GregoryDonaghy
