Vaping has soared in popularity over the past decade. It started life as a simple yet effective way to combat smoking, but has since evolved into an elaborate and sophisticaed hobby, with mods and gadgets being constantly innovated to improve the experience. However, one question has stood head and shoulders above all else - is vaping healthier than smoking? For years opinions have swung to and fro with a distinct lack of evidence, leaving many of those curious about vaping on the fence. Now the National Heath Service in England has come forward with new research that seeks to 'clarify' confusion around the harms and benefits of vaping, and the results are clear.
Vaping "definitely" less harmful than smoking tobacco
More than 20 different organisations have signed up to a consensus led by NHS Scotland that says vaping is most certainly less harmful than smoking cigarettes. The consensus was published by Scotland's National Health Education Promotion agency, and was agreed on by the Scottish Government, health boards and even charities such as the British Lung Foundation and Cancer Research UK. If ever we needed confirmation that vaping was far less harmful than smoking cigarettes, this is it. It builds on research by Public Health England last year that said vaping was 95% less harmful than smoking tobacco.
Still learning about the benefits of vaping
As we've mentioned, vaping is still a relatively new practice. The technology is no more than a decade old so no real data has been gathered on the long term effects of vaping, but opnions in the health industry are starting to develop. Dr Andrew Fraser, director of public health science at NHS Health Scotland, said in recent interview,
"Vaping has been around for a number of years now and we are learning more and more about it, but I think it's safe to say it is a lot safer than smoking cigarettes. If we are trying to help people make a decision about giving up smoking tobacco then vaping is a good option to consider."
It's a positive vaping message that will no doubt be welcomed by the vaping community as a whole. The question of whether or not vaping is a healthier alternative to smoking has been asked for years, but research and evidence is finally starting to lay that question to rest. Of course, not every vaper is an ex-smoker. Some vapers do it because it's simply a nice way to socialise and relax, and innovations in modding add a great deal of depth for the hobbyist gadget lover. But for those would-be vapers looking for a way to ease themselves of smoking tobacco filled cigarettes, vaping kits are an excellent first step.
What are your thoughts on vaping as an alternative to smoking? Have you successfully given up smoking thanks to vaping? We'd love to hear from you in the comments below.
