Is vaping safe?

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 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 vaporization. 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 vapor 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 that 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 vapes are safe or not 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. When talking about technical safety of vape devices the most important thing to remember is that it needs care. If the device is properly taken care of it is unlikely that it will present any technical 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.

Do not try to replace the battery or disassemble the device if it's not designed for that. 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.

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.

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.

VEEV is an option for adult smokers interested in switching to vape. VEEV vapes come in two designs: as rechargeable devices that can be paired with interchangeable flavour pods, or as disposable devices: no recharging, no cleaning, no maintenance required.

VEEV is considered a better choice than continuing to smoke because it emits significantly lower levels of harmful chemicals than cigarette smoke.¹

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IQOS also offers a range of other innovative smoke-free alternatives. IQOS HeatControl™ Technology heats tobacco instead of burning it to deliver the taste of real tobacco.

It provides real tobacco taste and satisfaction and has a range of accompanying HEETS tobacco sticks to choose from, with different flavours available to suit varying tastes and preferences.

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While not risk-free, VEEV vapes and IQOS heated tobacco devices are better than continued smoking. It is important to remember that the best decision any adult smoker can make is to quit nicotine and tobacco consumption entirely. For those who would otherwise have continued to smoke, the best option is to switch to a better alternative, such as IQOS.

As for device safety, it is possible to minimize the risk of damage to your device through good vape maintenance. 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.

1. Important information: VEEV ONE is not risk-free.

Reductions in levels of a range of harmful chemicals (excluding nicotine) compared to the smoke of a reference cigarette.