Long-term Effects of Vaping and What We Know So Far

A new study is underway to look at the long-term effects!

18 October 2023 | Hannah Rubery

More and more people are turning to vaping as an alternative to cigarettes, but there are concerns about what it could mean for our health in the long run. And of course, people are also wondering if it's actually effective for quitting smoking. Luckily, researchers are stepping up to the plate and starting to look into the long-term effects of vaping. There's a growing call for more research, and they're listening.

New Study on Long-Term Effects Taking Place

A new study is underway that's diving into the impact of vaping on heart health. They want to find out how it compares to smoking and not smoking at all. This study is a big deal because it'll help us better understand the long-term effects of vaping. It's going to take about a year and a half, but they're going to measure the quality of blood vessels in participants' arms and necks.

The Importance of Studying Long-Term Effects of Vaping

With the rising popularity of vaping as a seemingly safer alternative to smoking, understanding its potential impact is crucial. While the initial research and short-term studies have shown promise, it's essential to conduct comprehensive long-term studies to truly evaluate the effects on our health, especially our heart health and bodily functions.

Why is this so important? Well, these studies will not only help vapers and those considering vaping make informed decisions about its risks and benefits, but they will also shape public health policies and enable medical professionals to provide expert advice to their patients. Additionally, these studies could lead to advancements in vaping technology, making products even safer for everyone.

What We Know So Far About Vaping

While we wait on a decision for the long-term effects, there are some things that we know from recent studies and research:

- Vaping is 95% less harmful than smoking: According to Public Health England, vaping is a much safer option. The absence of harmful carcinogens in e-cigarette vapor sets it apart from cigarette smoke.

- Potential lung health improvement: Switching from smoking to vaping could lead to better lung health. Studies suggest that symptoms of COPD may even improve with this change.

- Nicotine is the least harmful part of cigarettes: While nicotine is a stimulant, it's important to note that it's the least harmful component of cigarettes. The real danger lies in the many carcinogens and toxic chemicals found in cigarette smoke, which are largely absent in vapour.

- Higher quit-smoking success rates: If you're trying to quit smoking, vaping might be your best bet. A study from The New England Journal of Medicine found that e-cigarettes combined with behavioural support were more effective for quitting smoking than nicotine-replacement therapy.

These findings offer hope for those looking to quit smoking. However, more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of vaping, especially on heart health. Ongoing studies are crucial to this process.

In conclusion

As the world of vaping keeps changing, it's crucial that we stay informed about its long-term effects. So far, studies suggest that vaping could be a safer option compared to traditional smoking. It might even bring benefits like lung health improvements and higher success rates for quitting smoking. But let's not forget, vaping is not entirely risk-free. That's why it's important to remember that it's not for non-smokers or those who have never smoked.