Claim: E-cigarettes are healthier than smoking. (A common slogan is that they are 95% safer).
Truth: The answer to this question is simultaneously yes and no. From a scientific perspective cigarettes undoubtedly contain a far more diverse range of carcinogens in greater concentrations than most e-cigarette models. It stands to reason that as such an e-cigarette is far less toxic in nature. However, it bears pointing out that being healthier than cigarettes, one of the leading causes of preventable cancer, is a fairly low bar to overcome. Furthermore, the claim that they are 95% healthier is in no way representative of the consensus of the medical community. Long-term studies on the effects of e-cigarettes are still pending, so conclusively quantifying their level of harm is a dubious proposition at best.
Claim: E-cigarettes do not produce second-hand smoke.
Truth: Sort-of-true in the sense that an e-cigarette does not create second-hand smoke but does produce second-hand vapor. As the vapor contains many of the compounds contained in the liquid it is possible for surrounding individuals to experience passive vaping and consequently a milder form of the health risks associated with direct vaping. In terms of exposure e-cigarettes produce aerosol levels approximately 10% lower than that of conventional cigarettes. Concerns are particularly poignant in children who are far more vulnerable to second-hand exposures due to a lower body mass and undeveloped defence mechanisms. As the exact level of harm caused by these vapors varies wildly between studies the same caution one uses for cigarettes second-hand smoke should be done while vaping.
Claim: E-cigarettes can be used to get around smoke-free policies.
Truth: Mileage on this claim can vary immensely on the geographic region in question. In Ontario, for instance the Smoke Free Act constituted in 2017 maintains that for the sake of smoke-free policies e-cigarettes are considered equivalent to conventional tobacco products. India took things a step further having outright banned the possession, distribution and use of e-cigarettes amid concerns of an epidemic of adolescent vapers. Several countries are in the process of deliberating on the merits of banning e-cigarettes. In short, while you may be able to do it in your geographic region, that might change and even if you can that does not mean that you should.
Claim: E-cigarettes are an effective nicotine reduction strategy.
Truth: For starters in many areas vaping is not an officially recognized nicotine reduction by the country’s medical boards. The FDA for example has yet to conclude whether they are going to approve the therapy for certification. This is not to say that the therapy is not without its merits, but barring certification it is not technically an official nicotine reduction therapy.
