Unveiling the Long-term Effects of Vaping

And what we know so far about vaping harm.

18 October 2023 | Hannah Rubery

The realm of vaping has been the subject of extensive research and widespread discourse in recent years. With the rising adoption of this alternative to traditional cigarettes, concerns about its potential long-term effects have also arisen. These discussions primarily revolve not only around the health implications of vaping but also its efficacy as a smoking cessation aid. However, researchers are now making strides in evaluating the long-term effects of vaping as calls for more research continue to grow.

New Study on Long-Term Effects Taking Place

A new study has recently commenced that aims to examine the heart health of long-term vapers in comparison to smokers and non-smokers. This undertaking is a significant step towards uncovering any potential long-term consequences of vaping and further boosting our understanding of the practice. Expected to take 18 months, the study will measure the quality of blood vessels in the arms and necks of participants.

The Importance of Studying Long-Term Effects of Vaping

The importance of understanding the long-term effects of vaping cannot be underestimated. The world has seen a rapid increase in vaping, with many people seeing it as a safer alternative to traditional cigarette smoking.

The initial research and short-term studies have been encouraging, painting a picture of a potentially less harmful approach to nicotine consumption. However, there's a need for comprehensive long-term studies - like the one currently underway - to conclusively evaluate the impact on heart health and other bodily functions in the long run.

This is crucial because it will not only inform vapers and potential vapers about the risks or benefits that come with prolonged use, but it will also guide public health policies around vaping, and help medical professionals in giving informed advice to their patients. Furthermore, it can potentially bring about advances in vaping technology to mitigate any found risks, ultimately resulting in safer products.

What We Know So Far About Vaping

The scrutiny of vaping's long-term effects has yielded several fascinating and crucial points thus far. The following encapsulates our understanding of vaping to date:

• Vaping is At Least 95% Less Harmful than Smoking: The Public Health England maintains the stance that vaping is considerably less harmful than conventional smoking. This is primarily due to the absence or significantly reduced presence of harmful carcinogens in e-cigarette vapour compared to cigarette smoke.

• Potential Improvement in Lung Health: Some studies have signalled a potential for improved lung health in individuals who switch from smoking to vaping. COPD symptoms in particular have been observed to alleviate after making the switch.

• Nicotine is a Stimulant but the Least Harmful Part of Cigarettes: While nicotine is indeed a stimulant, it's important to remember that it's the least harmful part of cigarettes. The real danger lies in the myriad of carcinogens and toxic chemicals found in cigarette smoke, many of which are absent in vapour.

• Better Quit-Smoking Rates among Vapers: Smokers who switch to vaping have been found to have better quit-smoking rates. This is supported by a study from The New England Journal of Medicine which found that e-cigarettes were more effective for smoking cessation than nicotine-replacement therapy when both products were accompanied by behavioural support.

These points paint an encouraging picture of vaping as an alternative to smoking. Nonetheless, the need for continued research to further detail the long-term effects of vaping, particularly on heart health, remains paramount. The ongoing study is a crucial part of this imperative process.

Conclusion

As the vaping landscape continues to evolve, it is vital that our understanding of its long-term effects develops concurrently. The evidence thus far suggests that vaping could serve as a less harmful alternative to traditional smoking, offering potential benefits such as improved lung health and increased quit-smoking success rates. But it is important to remember that it is not entirely risk-free which is why vaping should not be taken up by those who don't smoke or have never smoked.

As we navigate this relatively new terrain, we remain committed to providing accurate, up-to-date information, and empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health. At the heart of our mission is the belief that everyone deserves access to safer alternatives to smoking, and we stand by vaping as a viable option in this regard.