Vaping is popular in the UK as a safer alternative to smoking, attracting many seeking a less harmful option. But this popularity has also spread misinformation. Our goal is to debunk common Vaping Myths, providing accurate information based on science and government rules.

We’ll clear up misconceptions about vaping, showing the truth supported by groups like the NHS, Cancer Research UK, Public Health England (PHE), British Heart Foundation (BHF), ASH, doctors, and the British Government.

As responsible advocates, we want you to have the knowledge to decide if vaping helps you move away from cigarettes.

Learn the truth to make informed health choices. We’ll dispel Vaping Myths and give you facts. It’s time to clear the air.

Debunking Common Vaping Myths in the UK

Vaping Myths and Facts
Myth 1: “Vaping is as harmful as smoking cigarettes”
Debunked: Vaping is not as harmful as smoking. Many scientific studies show vaping is much less harmful. Public Health England (PHE) says vaping is at least 95% less harmful than smoking. Vaping isn’t risk-free but is a much safer choice for smokers wanting to quit.

Burning cigarettes releases harmful chemicals, including 70 that cause cancer. Most harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke, like tar and carbon monoxide, are not in vape aerosol.

Switching to vaping reduces exposure to harmful substances causing cancer, lung disease, heart disease, dementia, stroke, and more.

The NHS Says: “Nicotine vaping is not risk-free, but it is substantially less harmful than smoking.” Source: Vaping Myths and the Facts

Cancer Research UK says: “Research so far shows that legal e-cigarettes are far less harmful than smoking.” Source: Is Vaping Harmful?

Myth 2: “Vapes aren’t regulated and we don’t know what’s in them”

Debunked: Vapes in the UK are regulated. The UK has strict rules for e-cigarettes under the Tobacco and Related Product Regulations 2016 (TRPR). Vape products must meet quality and safety standards, with packaging and labels giving clear information.

Manufacturers must tell the UK Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA) about all products and ingredients.

E-liquids in regulated vapes follow safety rules. They usually contain propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, nicotine (optional), and food-grade flavourings. When bought from good places, e-liquids are safe.

Always buy vape supplies from specialist shops or trusted suppliers to ensure they meet UK rules. This counters the Vaping Myths about unknown ingredients.

Myth 3: “Nicotine is harmful to your health”

Debunked: While nicotine is addictive, it is relatively harmless to health.

Cancer Research UK says: “Nicotine is the chemical that makes cigarettes addictive. But it is not responsible for the harmful effects of smoking, and nicotine does not cause cancer.” Source: Is Vaping Harmful?

The NHS says: “While nicotine is the addictive substance in cigarettes, most harm comes from the thousands of other chemicals in tobacco smoke.” Source: Using E-Cigarettes to Stop Smoking

ASH says: “Whilst nicotine is addictive, it is not the exposure to nicotine that causes harm to smokers… Vaping poses a fraction of the risk that smoking does.” Source: Quitting Smoking Through Vaping

Myth 4: “Vaping is more addictive than smoking”

Debunked: While vaping contains addictive nicotine, it’s usually seen as less addictive than cigarettes. E-cigarettes let users adjust nicotine levels, helping them reduce intake and quit.

London South Bank University research found vaping is likely less addictive than smoking. Smokers often smoke regardless of cost, but vapers set spending limits. Source: World-First Research Finds Vaping Likely to be Less Addictive than Smoking

Myth 5: “Exposure to second-hand vapour from e-cigarettes is as harmful as cigarette smoke”

Debunked: Unlike second-hand smoke, second-hand vapour is unlikely to harm bystanders. Vape aerosol has fewer toxic substances at much lower levels than cigarette smoke. Still, it’s polite to vape in allowed areas.

Cancer Research UK says: “There is no good evidence that second-hand vapour is harmful… Passive vaping is not the same as passive smoking.” Source: Is Vaping Harmful?

The NHS says: “While second-hand smoke causes serious harm, no evidence shows vaping harms people around you, and risks are very low. Be considerate, especially around babies, children, or people with asthma.” Source: Vaping to Quit Smoking

Myth 6: “Vaping doesn’t help you quit smoking”

Debunked: Vaping is a proven way to help quit smoking. Many smokers have quit by switching. Using vaping with support improves quit rates.

The NHS says: “You’re roughly twice as likely to quit smoking if you use a nicotine vape compared with other nicotine replacement products.” Source: Vaping to Quit Smoking

ASH says: “Vaping is positively associated with quitting smoking successfully… e-cigarettes are the most popular aid used in quit attempts.” Source: Electronic Cigarettes Fact Sheet

Myth 7: “Vaping is more expensive than smoking”

Debunked: Vaping costs less than smoking cigarettes. You might pay upfront for a vape kit, but ongoing costs are much lower. E-liquids are cheaper than cigarette packs and last longer.

Vaping costs about one-third of smoking, saving money long-term. For example:

• A £15.86 pack of 20 cigarettes gives ~200 puffs. (Source: Tesco)

• Three £9.99 bottles of e-liquid give ~9000 puffs. (Source: Tablites)

Cancer Research UK says: “Switching from cigarettes to e-cigarettes could save you money… smoking costs over three times as much as vaping.” Source: Is Vaping Harmful?

Myth 8: “People use vapes more frequently than cigarettes, it must be more harmful”

Debunked: Each vape puff carries only a small part of the risk of a cigarette puff. People who vape have much lower exposure to cancer-causing and toxic substances than smokers. Health risks from vaping are likely far smaller than from smoking.

Dr Debbie Robson says: “Exposure levels to toxicants are drastically lower in people who vape compared with those who smoke.” This addresses the Vaping Myths about frequency meaning more harm.

Myth 9: “One disposable vape is the equivalent of 40+ cigarettes”

Debunked: Legal UK disposable vapes hold 2ml of e-liquid (max 20mg/ml nicotine strength), giving ~600 puffs. They deliver nicotine similar to 20 cigarettes.

A legal disposable vape has 40mg nicotine total, delivering ~20mg to the user. A 20-cigarette pack has 200-300mg nicotine, delivering 20-30mg to the smoker.

The TRPR 2016 sets strict rules: max 2ml tank, max 10ml refill container, max 20mg/ml nicotine strength, child-resistant packaging, banned ingredients, labelling rules, and MHRA notification. Source: GOV.UK

Large illegal disposables have more liquid and higher nicotine than allowed. They are unsafe. Always buy from trusted vape shops like Tablites for legal, safe products.

Myth 10: “Vaping causes Popcorn Lung”

Debunked: Vaping does not cause “popcorn lung” (bronchiolitis obliterans).

Diacetyl, linked to this rare disease found in popcorn factory workers, is banned in UK-regulated vapes. Traces found in some past vape flavours were hundreds of times lower than in cigarette smoke. Smoking itself isn’t a major risk factor for this rare disease. This dispels specific Vaping Myths.

Myth 11: “Vapes are dangerous and will explode causing injury”

Debunked: Vapes used correctly are not dangerous or likely to explode. Devices have safety features (over-time, short circuit, overheat protection). Misuse, wrong parts, or bad handling can cause accidents. Follow instructions, use the right charger, and don’t tamper. Buy quality products from good sources.

Most “vaping explosions” involve loose batteries in pockets, not the devices. Read battery safety guides.

London Fire Brigade says: “Smokers are 266 times more likely to have a fire than those who vape.” Source: Stoptober: Firefighters Urge Smokers to Vape to Prevent Fires

Tips for safe use:

• Buy from reputable retailers, avoid counterfeits.

• Follow instructions and warnings.

• Keep away from medical oxygen or emollient creams.

• Use only the supplied charger.

• Never leave charging unattended or overnight.

• Don’t cover charging batteries.

• Protect batteries from damage, water, and metal objects. Source: Vaping and E-Cigarettes: Know the Fire Risks

Myth 12: “Flavoured vapes are designed to target young people”

Debunked: Flavoured vapes are for adults to make quitting smoking more appealing and successful. Flavours help adults switch. The problem is shops selling illegally to minors, not the flavours themselves. Rules focus on stopping sales to under-18s while letting adults choose flavours.

The ASA says: “While we are alive to the potential appeal… we have not seen evidence that firms are targeting young people through advertising. The wider issues appear to be around point of sale (illegal sales) and promotion through social media.”

Most vapes contain addictive nicotine. We need stronger steps to stop vapes reaching children and enforce age rules.

Conclusion

We hope we cleared up some Vaping Myths. Vaping nicotine is much less harmful than smoking and is a very effective quit tool, backed by science. While not risk-free, vaping poses a small fraction of smoking’s risk. We recommend vaping only for adults over 18 who smoke, to help quit.

Always buy vape supplies from specialist vape stores and trusted sellers to get genuine UK-regulated products. Avoid illegal e-liquids and disposables that don’t meet safety rules, as they may be harmful.

If this helped, share this post to help others concerned about Vaping Myths make informed choices about switching from smoking to vaping.

So here,if you trust me, I will offer you some choices of e-cigarettes. You can pick them with confidence. They will undoubtedly meet your expectations.