Vaping versus Cigarette Smoking

Vaping versus Cigarette Smoking

            Vaping and smoking have brought a lot of controversial issues in the current society. One of the main reason that is resulting in the huge disparity is the over-emphasis on which is better than the other. Vaping is a process of inhaling vapor through the mouth from an electronic device that is operated using a battery. An example of such a device is an electronic cigarette that contains a liquid solution of nicotine in a small reservoir which vaporizes forming an aerosol mist which the user ‘vapes’ (Wise, 1). On the other hand, cigarette smoking is the process or practice where tobacco is burned to produce smoke which is then inhaled and absorbed in the bloodstream (Notley, et al, 1). The aim of this paper to chemically compare whether vaping is better than cigarette smoking.

According to Notley, et al, (1), the process of cigarette smoking involves tobacco combustion that contains hundreds of chemicals. These chemicals are generally referred to as carcinogens. Some of these chemicals include nicotine, an addictive chemical that tends to give the smoker the desire to need more. Cigarettes also contain hydrogen cyanide, which is responsible for seizures, irregular heartbeats, gasping among other symptoms.

Formaldehyde a compound present in cigarettes causes watery eyes as well as a burning sensation in the eyes as well. Other chemical compositions of cigarettes include; lead, arsenic, ammonia, benzene, carbon monoxide, nitrosamines, and last but not least polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (Kamerow, 2). Most of these chemicals have a direct and strong relationship with health conditions such as lung cancer, and heart-related diseases. The combustion of tobacco initiates the chemical reaction which is responsible for smoke creation which is the courier of the above-mentioned carcinogens

The fundamental vaping process is to remove the urge to burn anything thereby aiding in the removal of most of the carcinogens specifically the harmless chemicals present in cigarettes (Wise, 1). Evidence from studies on vaping shows a huge difference in the effects between a few carcinogens inhaled during vaping and over twenty chemicals inhaled through cigarette smoking. Chemicals present in vapor include nicotine, a similar chemical to that present in cigarettes, nitrosamines, vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol, and acetaldehyde. Additional chemicals present are majorly associated with the process of flavoring. Many of these ‘other’ chemicals tend to be food grade and are safe for consumption (Kamerow, 2). However, the long-term effects of these chemicals have not yet been determined as a controversy also exists whether flavorings are meant for ingestion or vaporization.

For a long period of time, cigarette smoking has resulted in incredible safety and health concerns all over the world. For this reason, legislations have been designed and put in place to aid in the prevention of serious risks. In comparison to cigarette smoking, studies reveal vaping is associated with reduced level of safety and health danger (Notley, et al, 1). Despite this success over cigarettes, vaping has had problems with battery explosions which are extreme safety and health concerns. For many individuals in the process of quitting smoking, vaping is the first step. Evidence from studies shows that many chain smokers cease smoking in a period of about three as they use vaping as an aiding tool against the habit (Wise, 1).

In conclusion, a comparison between vaping and smoking can be based on many different ways. Focusing on the bigger picture, however, vaping has an upper hand as compared to cigarette smoking due to the chemical composition as well as the long-term effects which can only be unveiled by time.

Cited works

Kamerow, D. “Teenagers, Smoking, And Vaping”. BMJ, vol 350, no. apr21 8, 2015, pg. 2. BMJ, doi:10.1136/bmj.h2110.

Notley, Caitlin et al. “Vaping As An Alternative To Smoking Relapse Following Brief Lapse”. Drug And Alcohol Review, 2018. Wiley, pg.1, doi:10.1111/dar.12876.

Wise, Jacqui. “Doctors Should State Clearly That Vaping Is Much Lower Risk Than Smoking, Says Report”. BMJ, 2018, pg. 1. BMJ, doi:10.1136/bmj.k575.