Vapes - what you need to know
Nicotine containing electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes, vapes) are now a very popular stop smoking aid. Using an e-cigarette is not harm-free, but it is considerably less harmful than tobacco. Evidence shows that nicotine-containing e-cigarettes can help people to stop smoking and are of similar effectiveness to other cessation options such as NRT (Nicotine Replacement Therapy). In 2020, there were approximately 3.2 million adult e-cigarette users in Great Britain, most of whom were ex-smokers.
NICE Guidance (Nov 2022) states that healthcare staff should give clear and up-to-date information on e-cigarettes to people who are interested in using them to stop smoking.
Nicotine-containing e-cigarettes on general sale are regulated under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations (2016) by the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency).
What is an e-cigarette?
An e-cigarette is a device that allows you to inhale nicotine without most of the harmful effects of smoking. Remember it is the tobacco in smoking that is causing most of the harm, not the nicotine. The use of e-cigarettes is commonly known as ‘vaping’.
E-cigarettes work by heating and creating a vapour from a solution that typically contains nicotine; a thick, colourless liquid called propylene glycol and / or glycerine; and flavourings. As there is no burning involved, there is no smoke, though there may be a visible vapour cloud.
E-cigarettes do not contain tobacco and do not produce tar and carbon monoxide, two of the main toxins in conventional cigarette smoke. The vapour from e-cigarettes has been found to contain some potentially harmful chemicals also found in cigarette smoke, but at much lower levels.
Devices which heat tobacco “heat not burn” such as IQOS are not e-cigarettes.
What are e-cigarettes made up of?
In general, e-cigarettes consist of a battery, a heating element or coil (atomiser) and e-cigarette liquid (e-liquid). The e-liquid can be in sealed cartridges or added to a tank system. Some e-cigarettes use cartomisers that combine the atomiser and e-liquid in a single unit. Although some cartomisers are refillable, most are disposable and designed for single use.
What we know so far
E-cigarettes are less harmful than smoking tobacco
E-cigarettes do not contain the tar, carbon monoxide or levels of toxic substances that are harmful to human health that lit tobacco does.
E-cigarettes are an effective aid to quitting smoking.
You can use Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) in conjunction with an e-cigarette.
You can at least triple your chances of success in stopping smoking tobacco with your e-cigarette by attending your local stop smoking service.
Latest guidance
Public Health England (PHE) published an e-cigarette evidence review, undertaken by leading independent tobacco experts. The main points from this review are as follows:
vaping poses only a small fraction of the risks of smoking and switching completely from smoking to vaping conveys substantial health benefits
e-cigarettes could be contributing to at least 20,000 successful new quits per year and possibly many more
there is much public misunderstanding about nicotine (less than 10% of adults understand that most of the harms to health from smoking are caused by tobacco, not nicotine)
Is nicotine dangerous?
Nicotine does not cause smoking related diseases, such as cancer and heart disease. These are caused by other chemicals found in tobacco smoke. Nicotine is addictive however and it is why people continue to smoke despite knowing about the harmful effects of tobacco.
Is vaping harmful?
E-cigarettes are far less harmful than smoking.
For people who smoke, e-cigarettes are an option to help them stop.
E-cigarettes are not risk-free. We don't yet know their long-term effects, so people who have never smoked shouldn't use them.
Vaping is cheaper than smoking
Switching from cigarettes to e-cigarettes could save you a lot of money. Some people spend more than others, but in general, vaping costs less than half as much as smoking.
Can I vape if I am pregnant?
Little research has been conducted into the safety of electronic cigarettes in pregnancy, however they are likely to be significantly less harmful to a pregnant woman and her baby than smoking.
Smoking during pregnancy can harm the baby in the womb from day one.
Licensed nicotine replacement products are safe to use during pregnancy and can increase your chances of quitting successfully. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is free on prescription during pregnancy.
While licensed NRT products are the recommended option, if you are pregnant and using an electronic cigarette helps you stay smokefree, it is much safer for you and your baby than continuing to smoke.
Using e-cigarettes within the City & Hackney Stop Smoking Service
We are happy to support you if you choose to use an e-cigarette as a stop smoking aid. However, you will need to purchase your own e-cigarette and liquid as they are not currently available on prescription.
If you are purchasing your first e-cigarette, we recommend you visit a local reputable vape store and get advice from a specialist.
At a vape store, you should be able to get advice on:
The device that might suit you
How much nicotine you need in your e-liquid
Flavouring
Puffing techniques
Once you stop smoking, some of the benefits are immediate and some are longer-term.
There’s loads of free support in Hackney to help you stop smoking.