THE TRUTH ABOUT VAPING

E-cigarettes are not as safe as you may think...

- SAMANTHA WOOD

Noticed more and more people puffing on plastic cigarettes? In England, around 3.2 million people are now 'vaping', using an electronic cigarette device that creates a vapour to inhale. And the trend is growing 7.1% of adults are now thought to vape. a number that's risen sharply in the past decade. 'It's seen as a "healthier alternative" to cigarettes, but it's one that still contains nicotine,' says GP and specialist in women's health Dr Hana Patel*. 'So it still carries health risks. Here's what you need to know.

WHAT’S DIFFERENT ABOUT E-CIGS?

Unlike traditional cigarettes, there’s no tobacco being burnt when you vape – so you’re not inhaling tar, carbon monoxide and other toxic chemicals that cause the most harm to the body. Instead, a battery heats a coil, which warms a cartridge or tank of vaping liquid made from propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, a flavouring – and nicotine. This creates a vapour that you inhale, giving you the experience of smoking. ‘At the moment, when using a vape that meets regulations (see box left), the health risks are smaller than the risk of cigarettes,’ says Dr Patel.

UNDERSTANDING ADDICTION

Vaping is addictive. ‘Anything that contains nicotine can cause addiction,’says Dr Patel. ‘This means people can crave vaping in the same way they would cigarettes, and also suffer withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop.’ Dr Patel says that because nicotine affects the release of ‘happy’ chemical dopamine, it can affect anxiety and depression, with links being made between vaping and the worsening of these mental health conditions.