You've probably heard that vaping is a safer alternative to smoking, and it's true! Studies have confirmed that vaping contains far fewer harmful chemicals than cigarettes. However, there are still some concerns floating around. Some people worry about the long-term effects of vaping, while others are concerned about second-hand vaping. So, what exactly is second-hand vaping? How does it compare to second-hand smoke? And most importantly, should you be worried? Let's take a closer look at these questions today.
What is second-hand vaping?
Have you ever wondered about second-hand vaping? We've all heard of second-hand smoking, but what about second-hand vapour? Some people mistakenly call it vape smoke, but it's a whole different thing. When you vape, the cool cloud of vapour you blow out after taking a puff is what we call second-hand vaping. Just like with smoking, people nearby are exposed to it in places where vaping is allowed. But how does it stack up against the well-known concept of second-hand smoke? Let's find out!
Second-Hand Vaping vs Second-Hand Smoke
So, here's the good news: second-hand vape contains fewer harmful chemicals than the smoke from traditional cigarettes. While cigarettes can have over 4,000 toxic chemicals, second-hand vape only has trace amounts of similar substances, and in much lower quantities.
Now, you might be thinking, "What about nicotine? Isn't that a concern?" Well, studies have shown that when someone vapes, they absorb over 93% of the nicotine themselves. Any leftover nicotine might settle on surfaces, which is why it's not recommended to vape around children or small animals. But here's the thing: the vapour evaporates almost immediately, unlike cigarette smoke which can linger in the air for up to 45 minutes.
Speaking of cigarette smoke, let's talk about second-hand smoke. It contains a whole range of carcinogens and toxic substances that can seriously harm both smokers and those exposed to the smoke. So, when it comes to second-hand vape versus second-hand smoke, the choice is clear: vaping is a safer option for everyone involved.
Is it all smoke and no fire?
When it comes to vape vapour and cigarette smoke, they simply can't be compared. Vaping releases far fewer chemicals into the air than cigarettes do. In fact, when you're around second-hand vape vapour, you're not exposed to any nicotine, and most of the harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoke are either not present or found at much lower levels. This means that second-hand vaping is much safer than second-hand smoking.
Studies have actually shown that the vapour from vaping evaporates within seconds, which is a lot faster than the smoke from cigarettes.
'No accumulation of particles was registered in the room following subjects' vaping,' says Dr Grant O'Connell, Corporate Affairs Manager at Fontem Ventures.
The good news is that while the vapour exhaled from vaping contains similar levels of chemicals as cigarettes, it evaporates quickly, reducing the chances of causing problems. But just to be safe, it's not recommended to blow vapour directly at someone - it's not exactly polite either.
There's more evidence supporting the safety of vaping too. A study conducted in a vape shop showed that the air samples taken didn't have high levels of chemicals, even with heavy vaping from workers and customers. And a peer review of over 9,000 observations confirmed that the exhaled contaminants in vapor don't pose health concerns for those who might breathe it in. So you can feel a little more confident about vaping!
Is there reason to worry about second-hand vaping?
Did you know that second-hand vaping is generally considered to be less harmful than second-hand smoke? While it's always best to play it safe, evidence suggests that you don't need to worry too much if someone vapes near you. However, it's still a good idea to be mindful of others and avoid blowing vapour directly into someone's face.
Professionals recommend being cautious around children, pregnant women, and small animals, as there isn't enough research on how vaping affects these groups. But overall, the evidence shows that second-hand vaping isn't as concerning as second-hand smoke.
Remember, it's important to do your own research and draw your own conclusions. When you vape in public, show respect for others and take necessary precautions if there are kids or pets around. As more research is conducted, we'll continue to learn about the effects of second-hand vaping.
