There are countless reasons why you should make the switch from smoking cigarettes to vaping. Here are some of the big ones.
Vaping is Much Less Harmful than Smoking
The Office for National Statistics estimated that 14.1 percent of people in the UK smoked in 2019, accounting for around 6.9 million people.
Smoking is responsible for 78,000 deaths per year and is the leading cause of preventable cancer.
The NHS states that you are increasing your risk of developing more than 50 different health conditions if you continue to smoke.
A 2015 evidence review by Public Health England found that e-cigarettes are at least 95 per cent less harmful than cigarettes.
Cancer Research UK also recognises the potential for harm reduction from smoking:
“While the long-term effects of e-cigarettes are unknown, the long-term harms of tobacco are indisputable, and e-cigarettes represent an opportunity for harm reduction”
Cancer Research UK
Some of their reasons for supporting e-cigarettes as a harm reduction tool are:
- E-cigarettes contain nicotine but not cancer-causing tobacco
- Nicotine can be addictive but doesn’t cause cancer
- In the UK, tobacco use is the biggest cause of preventable death
- Passive vapour is not likely to harm anyone
- There is mounting evidence that suggests e-cigarettes are not harmful
Vaping Builds Community
The vape community is really passionate about the benefits of vaping and helping others make the switch.
This interest has created forums, events and expos where vapers can connect with each other.
It has also inspired podcasts, social media channels and youtube communities were vapers can go for conversation and information.
The technical side of vaping can seem like another language at times but it does bring enthusiasts together in a positive way.
Lucy Alcock turned to vaping in a bid to quit smoking and found the nerdy side appealed to her love of technology:
“The nerdy side of vaping with mech mods, coil builds, RDAs really helped me focus on getting away from cigarettes and made me feel part of something.
“I think wanting that feeling of inclusion as an outsider made the vape community more attractive to me as a geek.”
Vaping Supports Small Businesses
The vape industry is driven by small, independent businesses, not huge, multinational corporations like the tobacco industry.
If you want to support local, there are lots of great shops and e-liquid brands that bring jobs to the local area and boost the economy.
The UKVIA estimates the UK industry is currently worth at £1bn . P&S Intelligence anticipates that the global industry could be valued at $39.0 billion by 2030.
It’s not just the brands themselves but also the companies that set up around vaping such as delivery services, vape lounges and magazines too.
Vaping is Cheaper than Smoking
There is a huge difference in price when it comes to cigarettes and e-liquid. A starter vape kit can cost as little as £20.
E-liquids range in price depending on size of the bottle, nicotine strength and brand.
This is in comparison to cigarettes, where taxes are increased each year to counteract growing health costs and act as a deterrent.
A pack of 20 cigarettes is now roughly £12.25.
Read More: Why Vaping Shouldn’t Be Banned
