UAE
We know a lot about second-hand smoking but what about second-hand vaping? Concerns have been raised, let’s look if you should worry.
What You Need to Know About Second-hand Vaping
Should we be concerned about second-hand vapour?
It’s generally agreed that vaping is much less harmful than smoking. There is a lot of research now that has proven this point, showing that vaping contains much less harmful chemicals than cigarettes. But still, there are concerns surrounding vaping, from the usual debate of ‘we don’t know the long-term effects’ to the recent concerns around second-hand vaping.
Is there anything to this worry? We look today at what second-hand vaping is, how second-hand vapour matches against second-hand smoke and if you should be concerned.
What is second-hand vaping?
You’ve no doubt heard of second-hand smoking but second-hand vapour, sometimes incorrectly referred to as vape smoke, is still a relatively new subject. For those that vape, the familiar cloud of vapour you expel after a puff is what we refer to as second-hand vaping. And much like with smoking, it’s this that people are exposed to in places where vaping is allowed. But how does this compare against the more established concept of second-hand smoke?
Comparing Second-Hand Vaping Against Second-Hand Smoke
Second-hand vape is the vapour that is expelled from an e-cigarette or other vaping device after the user inhales. This vapour contains fewer chemicals than smoke from cigarettes, which are known to contain more than 4,000 toxic chemicals. Second-hand vapour typically contains trace amounts of chemicals similar to cigarettes but in much lower quantities.
There have even been concerns about second-hand nicotine from vaping but studies have shown that those who vape absorb over 93% of the nicotine. What is leftover may potentially settle on surfaces, which is why it’s not suggested to vape around children or small animals, but we also know that the vapour evaporates almost immediately. Unlike smoking which lingers in the air for around 45 minutes.
In contrast, second-hand smoke from cigarettes contains a variety of carcinogens and other toxic substances that can lead to serious health issues in both smokers and those exposed to the smoke.
What the research so far says about second-hand smoke
When looking at both vape vapour and cigarette smoke, in a word, there is no comparison. The amount of chemicals released into the air when using an e-cigarette is much less than that of cigarettes. You’re exposed to 0 nicotine when inhaling second-hand vape vapour and almost every chemical found in cigarette smoke is either not present or found in much lower levels. It’s this difference in levels of chemicals that means second-hand vaping is much less dangerous than second-hand smoking.
Research has shown that the vapour produced and expelled when vaping, evaporates within seconds, compared to cigarettes.
‘No accumulation of particles was registered in the room following subjects’ vaping,’ says Dr Grant O’Connell, Corporate Affairs Manager at Fontem Ventures.
Though they reported that the immediately exhaled vapour contained levels similar to cigarettes, the fact it evaporates almost immediately compared to cigarettes means its less likely to cause issues. But for safety's sake, it is not advised to exhale vapour directly at someone - not to mention it can be quite rude to do so.
Similarly, a study within a vape shop that experienced high levels of vaping from its workers and customers, noted that air samples taken did not contain elevated levels of chemicals.
A peer review of over 9,000 observations also noted that the exhaled contaminants in the vapour did not warrant health concerns for those who may inhale it.
Should those around us be worried about second-hand vape?
Evidence suggests that second-hand vaping does not pose health concerns in comparison to second-hand smoke, but sense should be advised. No one wants vapour blown in their face and it is always best to err on the side of caution. Professionals advise against vaping around children, pregnant women and small animals due to the lack of research on the effects on these groups.
Overall, the evidence points to second-hand vaping being much less of a concern for those around us than that of second-hand smoke. But it’s important to do your own research and draw your own conclusions. The best advice is to be respectful when vaping in public and take all necessary precautions with children and pets being present. With more research, we can learn even more about second-hand vaping and how it affects us.
