Most people upon hearing the word ‘vaping’ associate it with their knowledge about smoking cigarettes. Based on these assumptions, they associate their understanding of cigarettes with that of vaping and come to hold multiple misconceptions about this alternative option available on the market.
This article will explore four common misconceptions about vaping.
Misconception 1: Vaping Is As Expensive As Smoking
People assume that vaping is an equally expensive pastime when compared to conventional cigarettes, but this simply isn’t true. Sure, the initial cost of vaping equipment is more expensive than a packet of cigarettes but in no time at all the benefit to your bank balance shows.
For example, Penn Medicine costs between £20 and £35 upfront but they are durable and will last. This means you will save money in the long run.
Vaping also costs health services around the world much less given that current knowledge presents that e-cigarettes cause fewer health issues.
Misconception 2: E-Cigarettes Don’t Contain Nicotine
The idea that vaping doesn’t contain nicotine is wrong. E-cigarettes, like their conventional cigarette siblings, contain this substance.
Nicotine is the item in cigarettes that make them addictive, and so this has been included in vape pens to incentivize those who smoke to switch to this healthier option.
E-cigarettes are valuable to traditional smokers in that they don’t contain tar – a dangerous ingredient in cigarettes and cigars.
Misconception 3: You Can Vape Indoors
It is assumed that unlike smoking you can choose to vape inside public venues and on public transport. This isn’t strictly true.
While laws about vaping are not equal to those about smoking, you are not guaranteed the ability to vape inside public spaces. It is the choice of the venue owner whether you can or cannot vape within certain premises.
Likewise, it is often down to the personal discretion of the bus driver whether or not you can vape in their vehicle.
A common reason why venue owners and public transport drivers often don’t permit smoking inside is that the smoke produced can be confused with cigarette smoke. This may encourage traditional smoking – which itself is illegal indoors.
Misconception 4: You Can’t Get Addicted
As vape pens and e-cigarettes contain nicotine, cigarettes can be addictive. Nicotine is the addictive substance present in both.
The act of vaping can also be psychologically addictive, especially if it is associated with positive emotions or settings. For example, vaping on a night out with friends can become linked with the enjoyment of spending time with those friends – and therefore mentally creates a link between having fun and smoking e-cigarettes.
The Bottom Line
The conclusion is that people have a range of misconceptions about vaping that isn’t entirely true.
Acting on the assumption that vaping and smoking are identical, they can predict that the former is more expensive, doesn’t contain addictive substances, and can be smoked anywhere.
This article has debunked some of the most common misconceptions and provided evidence that vaping remains addictive, though is cheaper. While rules are different, there are still some managing their use.
