The Effects of Switching from Smoking to Vaping

As more people seek alternatives to traditional cigarettes, vaping has emerged as a popular choice. Vape vendors often market their products as “healthier” tobacco alternatives or a means to quit smoking. However, it’s crucial to understand that while vaping may be less harmful than smoking, it still carries risks. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the effects of switching from smoking to vaping and what you need to know to make an informed decision.

How Vaping Differs from Smoking

Vaping involves the use of e-cigarettes, which heat a liquid containing nicotine, glycerin, propylene glycol, flavorings, and other chemicals to create a vapor that the user inhales. Unlike traditional cigarettes, vapes do not have United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval as smoking cessation aids.

According to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), evidence suggests that vaping significantly reduces a person’s exposure to toxins compared to smoking tobacco, both in terms of the range of toxins and the doses delivered ¹. This reduction in toxin exposure can lead to potential health benefits for those who completely switch from smoking to vaping.

The Potential Benefits of Switching to Vaping

If a person entirely replaces tobacco with vaping, it may be beneficial by reducing exposure to harmful toxins. The table below outlines the effects on the body at various intervals after quitting smoking ²:

Time After Last Cigarette	Effects on the Body
20 minutes	Pulse rate starts to return to normal
8 hours	Oxygen levels improve; half the carbon monoxide leaves the bloodstream
48 hours	Carbon monoxide completely leaves the body; lungs start clearing out mucus; taste and smell senses improve
72 hours	Breathing becomes easier as bronchial tubes relax; energy levels may increase
2–12 weeks	Circulation usually improves
3–9 months	Lung function improves by up to 10%
1 year	Heart attack risk is half that of a current smoker
10 years	Risk of lung cancer mortality is half that of a current smoker

It’s important to note that these health benefits are most likely to occur when a person completely stops smoking and switches to vaping. Dual use of both cigarettes and vapes may not lead to the same improvements in health ³.

The Risks of Vaping

While vaping may be less harmful than smoking, it is not without risks. Little research exists on the long-term effects of vaping, and the American Heart Association (AHA) does not recommend it as a proven way to quit smoking ⁴.

Vapes contain several potentially harmful chemicals, including aldehydes, flavorings, heavy metals (such as lead, nickel, and chromium), phenolic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, tobacco alkaloids, tobacco-specific nitrosamines, and volatile organic compounds ⁵. These substances may damage the lungs, weaken the immune system, and affect brain development in younger users.

A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that e-cigarette use was associated with an increased risk of respiratory disease, particularly among those who used both e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes ⁶. The study highlights the need for further research into the long-term health effects of vaping.

Vaping vs. Smoking: Impact on Lung Health

A 2020 review found that vaping can cause similar effects to smoking on the lungs and heart, although these effects may occur to a lesser extent ⁷. While more research supports the harmful effects of smoking on lung function and the development of lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), only limited investigations into vaping’s effects on the lungs have taken place.

The American Lung Association highlights that young people who vape have an increased risk of coughing, wheezing, and asthma attacks ⁸. It also identified several compounds in e-liquid that carry a risk of lung damage or disease, including aldehydes (such as acetaldehyde and formaldehyde), acrolein (a weed killer), diacetyl (linked to severe lung diseases), and benzene (a component of car exhaust fumes).

A study published in the journal Thorax found that e-cigarette use was associated with an increased risk of respiratory symptoms, such as coughing and wheezing, even among those who had never smoked traditional cigarettes ⁹. The study’s authors suggest that e-cigarette use may have a negative impact on lung health, particularly among young people.

Carcinogens in Cigarettes vs. Vapes

Cigarette smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, around 70 of which have strong links to cancer development ¹⁰. In contrast, vapes contain far fewer compounds. A 2018 public health review found that vape liquids contain around 60–70 compounds each, although some studies have identified up to 113 different chemicals across 50 brands of vape liquid ¹¹.

While current research does not link any of these compounds to cancer, it’s important to note that it can take over 20 years for cancer to develop in a person who has smoked throughout their life ¹². Vaping has only gained popularity in the past eight years, so its long-term effects are not yet clear.

A study published in the journal JAMA Network Open found that e-cigarette users had significantly higher levels of certain carcinogens, such as propylene oxide and acrylamide, compared to non-users ¹³. However, the levels of these carcinogens were still lower than those found in cigarette smokers.

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Vaping as a Smoking Cessation Tool

While some people may use vaping as a means to quit smoking, the effectiveness of this approach is still a topic of debate. A Cochrane review published in 2021 found that e-cigarettes may help some people to stop smoking, but the evidence is of low certainty ¹⁴.

The review also noted that e-cigarettes were not more effective than nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or behavioral support for smoking cessation. The authors conclude that more research is needed to determine the long-term effects of e-cigarette use and their potential as a smoking cessation aid.

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that e-cigarettes were more effective than NRT for smoking cessation, with 18% of e-cigarette users remaining abstinent from smoking at one year compared to 9.9% of NRT users ¹⁵. However, the study also found that 80% of e-cigarette users were still using the devices at one year, raising concerns about long-term nicotine dependence.

The Bottom Line

Switching from smoking to vaping may reduce exposure to harmful toxins, but it is not risk-free. The FDA has not approved vaping as an effective smoking cessation treatment, and the long-term effects of vaping, particularly in relation to cancer, are not yet known.

If you’re looking to quit smoking, consider FDA-approved methods such as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in the form of gum or patches, counseling, and support services. These options can help you achieve a smoke-free life without the potential risks associated with vaping.

It’s also important to remember that the most effective way to reduce the health risks associated with smoking is to quit entirely. While vaping may be less harmful than smoking, it is not a completely safe alternative.

If you do choose to vape as a means to quit smoking, it’s crucial to have a plan in place to eventually stop using e-cigarettes as well. Consult with a healthcare professional to develop a personalized smoking cessation plan that takes into account your individual needs and goals.

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.