Is Vaping Safe?

AN INDEPENDENT UK STUDY REVEALS REDUCED RISK IN VAPING COMPARED TO CIGARETTES.

Whether you’re a seasoned vaper or just starting out, you’re sure to have seen some contradictory stories around the health impacts of vaping and e-cigarette safety. While there are some things to watch out for, the majority of vapers can rest assured that their regulated products are working just as they should be whilst providing a reduced risk alternative to combustible cigarettes. Read on to find out the key findings from this independent report.

ARE E-CIGS SAFE?  IS A COMPLETE SWITCH TO VAPING ASSOCIATED WITH A REDUCTION IN RISK?

A REPORT PUBLISHED BY THE COMMITTEE ON TOXICITY OF CHEMICALS IN FOOD, CONSUMER PRODUCTS AND THE ENVIRONMENT (COT), HAS CONCLUDED THAT SMOKERS WHO SWITCH COMPLETELY TO VAPING CAN EXPECT TO REDUCE THEIR RISKS OF SMOKING RELATED DISEASES.

Everyone needs to know the products they use can be trusted, and that’s as true with vaping as any product we use every day. But let’s face it, there have been so many conflicting reports that have created misconceptions about vaping and it’s difficult to know whether it really is less risky than smoking.

The report was conducted by the Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT), a group of independent experts that provide advice to the Food Standards Agency, the Department of Health and Social Care and other government departments and agencies on matters concerning the toxicity of chemicals in food, consumer products and the environment.

Combining analysis and research from multiple sources, the 60-page report assessed the toxicological risk of nicotine and non-nicotine e-cigarettes, concluding that while e-cigarettes are not risk free, and are addictive, smokers who switch completely to vaping can expect to reduce their risks of smoking related diseases.

WHAT DOES THE REPORT MEAN FOR YOU?

Available to read in full on the committee’s website, the toxicology report outlines a number of key findings:

VAPING IS LIKELY LESS HARMFUL THAN SMOKING

The report draws on a number of scientific studies, but the central thrust of the report is outlined by the Chair of the COT, Professor Alan Boobis, who when summarising the reports says, “Our assessment on e-cigarettes largely reinforces the scientific consensus to date on their relative safety, that while not without risk they are significantly less harmful than smoking”.

Published in July 2020, the report has received support from a number of scientific bodies endorsing its findings.

Dr Debbie Robson, researcher at the National Addiction Centre, King’s College London Nicotine Research Group commented: “We welcome the COT’s comprehensive report and recommendations. Around three and a half million people in the UK vape and for those who do so exclusively, they can be reassured that by switching completely from smoking to vaping, they are doing the best thing short of quitting altogether for their health and wellbeing.”

Similarly, Jacob George, Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine and Therapeutics at the University of Dundee commented that “The report correctly highlights that, as a comparative risk, vaping is less harmful than smoking tobacco cigarettes.”

VAPING IS LIKELY TO PRESENT LOW RISK TO THOSE AROUND YOU

Nobody wants personal use to put their nearest and dearest at risk. That’s why we know you act with consideration to those nearby, especially when indoors. The report concludes that the health risk to bystanders from vaping is likely to be low in most situations, though some effects from exposure to nicotine in the surrounding air may occur, such as an increased heartrate.

Smokers who switch completely to vaping are likely to see a reduction in risk for smoking related diseases. The report finds that switching completely from conventional cigarettes to e-cigarettes is likely to reduce, though not eliminate, health risks.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO BUY E-LIQUID FROM REPUTABLE SOURCES

Beyond the comparison in risk between vaping and smoking, the committee references the importance of buying e-liquids from a reputable source. We’ve spent years honing our craft and all our e-liquid ingredients have been tested by our team of toxicologists for their suitability for vaping. It is so important to only use the product as intended, to buy from trusted suppliers and not to tamper with it or use substances which are not meant for vaping.

We apply the same standard of care across our entire offering. At Vuse we have always maintained a strict vigilance on the quality of our products, applying thousands of hours of testing before our devices and e-liquids get to you. Every single component is designed and tested by technical, scientific and engineering experts with consumers at the heart of product development to ensure:

• High-quality ingredients
• Vigorous end-to-end testing
• Traceable and tamper-proof batches
• Strict manufacturing processes and quality controls
• Compliance with local regulations where our products are sold

HOW DO YOU KNOW WHICH PRODUCTS TO TRUST?

We believe people love the brands they trust, and trust is built from many sources. That’s why we invite you to take a moment out to review this new report from the COT. This report may help you to answer the big question, “Is vaping less risky than smoking?”