ARE VAPING PRODUCTS SAFE?
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Whether you’ve been a switched on vaper for a while, or just made the switch to Vuse, 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.
IS A COMPLETE SWITCH TO VAPING ASSOCIATED WITH A REDUCTION IN RISK?
A REPORT PUBLISHED BY THE UK 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 THER 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 UK 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 to be less harmful than smoking
- Vaping is likely to present low risk to those around you
- It is important to buy e-Liquids only from reputable brands and sources
Let’s deep dive on the key findings below
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. 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.
At Vuse we have always ensured compliance with local regulations where our products are sold.
HOW DO YOU KNOW WHICH PRODUCTS TO TRUST?
Over the years we’ve built a transparent line of communication with you to ensure you have important information to make an informed decision. 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 “Is vaping less risky than smoking?”
Find out more comprehensive information in our Know Your Vape hub, including tips for new vapers, as well as all the most frequently asked questions about products, quality, e-cigarette safety, and much more.
Explore our range of ePod flavours and Disposables online or visit your closest Vuse Inspiration store.