Is Vaping Safe? Reducing Risk and Device Care
As an adult smoker wondering if vaping is safe, you might be worried about the ingredients included in a vape and the harm they may cause. Alternatively, your concerns might include the electrical hazards of a vape, such as the battery.
Vaping is not risk-free. In fact, generally smoke-free products as a category are not risk-free and they often provide nicotine, which is addictive. The best decision any adult smoker can make is to quit tobacco and nicotine use altogether. However, vaping is, overall, often emits less harmful chemicals than smoking cigarettes. That is because the chemicals that come from the combustion of a cigarette are the harmful factors of smoking. However, vapes do not rely on combustion, instead they utilize vapourisation. Of course, the absence of combustion, the reduction in harmful chemicals and harm should all be substantiated on a product-by-product basis.
Vaping: A Potential Reduction in Risk
Instead of burning tobacco, vape devices, also commonly known as e-cigarettes, typically work by heating up a specific liquid (known as vape liquid or e-liquid) to produce a vapour which emits through the mouthpiece of the device.
It is important to understand that because vapes and other smoke-free devices are not risk-free, there are a number of laws around the world that regulate their use. For example, the EU introduced legislation for the safety and quality of e-cigarettes, which includes a maximum volume and concentration of nicotine that can be provided in these devices. This is also the case in other countries like New Zealand, where the law dictates every vaping product must meet safety and quality conditions, with a ban on many toxic chemicals in the e-liquid. Products must also include instructions on how to use and handle the device.
The EU measures and those of New Zealand help to ensure the quality of these smoke-free devices. When exploring smoke-free alternatives, and the various vape liquids and technology that come with them, it is important to check the products are from a reputable source, and are compliant with any regulations that apply to them.
Is Vaping Safe? Device Care and Vape Battery Safety
Those wanting to know whether or not vapes are safe to use from a technical standpoint can look to basic care and maintenance best practices. While vapes can pose an electrical hazard if handled improperly, devices that are looked after with care are unlikely to present issues.
Incorrect care of the device’s battery, or a faulty product, could result in a malfunctioning vape over time. When mishandled, any battery can pose a risk. By reading the instructions for a vape or e-cigarette you can ensure proper care of the device and its battery.
Vaping Safety: How to Store Your Vape Battery Safely
Storing a vape’s battery safely is a key part of maintaining the device.
- Never let batteries come into contact with keys, coins or other items that are made of metal, as this could cause the device to short-circuit.
- Put spare batteries in a case to prevent them from coming into contact with metal.
- Inspect the vape’s battery regularly to check its condition.
In some instances, certain electronic vape devices are not designed to have their batteries replaced by the adult user. In such circumstances, do not try to replace the battery – or disassemble the device.
In those devices that do allow for battery replacement, if a device’s battery is damaged or not properly functioning, stop using it immediately and replace it with a functioning, undamaged battery. When replacing batteries in a vape, only use batteries that are compatible with the device. Check manufacturer guidance for information about which batteries are compatible with your device. You should not mix one vape battery with another incompatible device, or use a different charger to the one recommended by the device’s supplier. With the range of different e-cigarettes and vaping devices out there, it is no surprise that there are various different batteries for them. Learn more about the different types of e-cigarette batteries.
When a battery becomes unusable, it is important to dispose of it properly. Disposing of a vape battery, or any battery, could help to protect the environment from battery waste. Local recycling points may offer a battery recycling service. However, if your battery is integrated within the device, you should not remove it yourself.
Vaping Safety: How to Store Your E-Liquids Safely
There are certain ways to store e-liquids which can help prevent them from damage. When storing these liquids, ensure that the container is sealed and airtight. One crucial thing to consider is that the VG and PG (Vegetable Glycerine and Propylene Glycol respectively) within e-liquids cool at different temperatures. Therefore, storing these liquids at contrasting temperatures can be problematic - causing separation in the e-liquid. Instead of refrigerating e-liquids, best practice is to store them in a cool, dark and dry place. This helps to avoid any damage from exposure to heat and light sources.
Vaping liquids come in a variety of flavours and with various different ingredients.
Smoke-Free Options with Reduced Risk
For adult smokers wanting to switch to a smoke-free alternative, there are a number of options to consider. While no smoke-free vaping device is risk-free, certain products are known to be less of a risk than continuing to smoke cigarettes.
* Reductions in levels of a range of harmful chemicals (excluding nicotine) compared to the smoke of a reference cigarette. See Important Information on IQOS.com.
IQOS also offers a range of other innovative smoke-free alternatives, including heated tobacco products. IQOS HeatControl™ Technology heats tobacco instead of burning it to deliver the taste of real tobacco. IQOS provides real tobacco taste and satisfaction. IQOS has a range of accompanying HEETS tobacco sticks to choose from, with different flavours available to suit varying tastes and preferences. Explore the HEETS collection.
Our latest heated tobacco device, the IQOS ILUMA, is another example of smoke-free innovation. IQOS ILUMA SMARTCORE INDUCTION SYSTEM heats tobacco instead of burning it to deliver the taste of real tobacco. Explore the range of accompanying heated tobacco sticks – TEREA - online.
While not risk-free, IQOS vapes and heated tobacco devices are better than continued smoking. However, IQOS products are not alternatives to quitting and are not designed as cessation aids. IQOS devices are not risk-free and they provide nicotine, which is addictive. The best decision any adult smoker can make is to quit nicotine and tobacco consumption entirely.
As for device safety, it is possible to minimize the risk of damage to your device through good vape maintenance and care. Checks of vape batteries are important, not only in helping to keep a vape in good condition, but regular checks may also capture early signs of damage caused by mishandling the device. Follow the user instructions or the safety warnings and instructions of the device for proper maintenance.
This article is for general information and educational purposes. Some of the information in this article is based on external, third-party sources and we make no representations or warranties of any kind regarding the accuracy, validity or completeness of such information.
