While the debate rages amongst professionals, around whether vaping has any short term or long term harmful effects to your body, the general public are divided on their opinions of how safe vaping is. To get all nerdy, the dictionary defines safe as ‘’free from harm or risk’’ so you could say vaping isn’t actually totally free from risk. But, neither is crossing the road or cooking your dinner on the hob in the evening!
Even though most people are unsure what to think, numerous studies have been undertaken and concluded that no long or short term health hazards came from the use of e-cigarettes. The Cochrane Library (a non-profit org who undertook an e-cigarette report in 2016), found -- no evidence of short-term adverse effects associated with vaping.
A charitable trust Quitline NZ (the Quit Group), who are committed to helping New Zealanders stop smoking, now champion the use of e-cigarettes and include vaping as part of their Help To Quit guidelines.
What about Long Term Vaping Effects?
Only recently are the results of long term studies starting to be compiled, with one 3.5 year long scientific study concluding; ‘’No significant changes could be detected over the observation period from baseline in the EC (electronic cigarette) users or between EC users and control subjects in any of the health outcomes investigated. Moreover, no pathological findings could be identified on HRCT of the lungs and no respiratory symptoms were consistently reported in the EC user group. Although it cannot be excluded that some harm may occur at later stages, this study did not demonstrate any health concerns associated with long-term use of EC in relatively young users who did not also smoke tobacco.’’
This study showed no adverse effects on relatively young users, which means there is no proof harm will never happen later on in life. But all the early studies seem positive, which is a great result for vape lovers.
What about Toxins in E-liquid?
Even though there are known toxins in e-cigarette vapour, they weren’t found in quantities that would cause harm to you. In a statement from the Royal College of Physicians, they said; ‘’In normal conditions of use, toxin levels in inhaled e-cigarette vapour are probably well below prescribed threshold limit values for occupational exposure, in which case significant long-term harm is unlikely.” Toxins are inhaled by humans all the time just walking around the streets, but when it’s at minimal levels our bodies can process these with little adverse effect.Are Vape Pens Bought Online Safe?
There are strict laws with the manufacturing of vape pens online and in-store, but like with any electronic device there’s always a possibility of a malfunction or a defective part. You’re not anymore likely to have a malfunction with an e-cigarette bought online, than you are to have a phone or TV go wrong. As long as you adhere to all the set-up instructions with your new device, use a vape in line with your level of experience and keep all the parts free from debris and in good working order, you should never have a problem with your vape pen.