Vaping vs. Smoking: Taking a closer look this World 'No Tobacco' Day

Vaping involves heating a liquid to produce an aerosol, inhaled by the user. This method delivers nicotine without the harmful process of burning tobacco, potentially offering a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes¹, which release nicotine through combustion which is linked to numerous smoking-related deaths². 

Vaping is often viewed as a less harmful alternative to smoking. E-cigarettes don’t burn tobacco, avoiding many of the toxic substances found in cigarette smoke⁴. However, vaping carries its own risks, including exposure to harmful substances like diacetyl, heavy metals, and carcinogens. The long-term health effects of vaping are still largely unknown⁵.

Research from Johns Hopkins Medicine found that while vaping exposes users to fewer toxic chemicals than smoking, it has been linked to lung injuries and deaths, particularly among those using black market products or modifying devices. Nicotine, highly addictive and present in both e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes, poses risks to heart health by raising blood pressure and adrenaline levels⁶.

A concerning trend is the growing popularity of e-cigarettes among young people. Data from an Action for Smokefree Year 10 Snapshot Survey shows a surge in daily vaping among rangatahi/ young people between 2019 and 2021, coupled with a decline in daily cigarette smoking rates among the same demographic⁷.

The American Heart Association and other health organisations view e-cigarette use by youth as a significant public health threat. Nicotine can harm the developing brains of children, adolescents, and foetuses in pregnant women who vape⁸.

Given the complexities and evolving evidence surrounding vaping and smoking, international regulatory bodies and health organisations advocate for a cautious approach. They recommend stronger regulations for e-cigarettes, such as their inclusion in smoke-free laws, regulating and taxing them like other tobacco products, and enforcing minimum age requirements for sales⁹.

Effective from December 2023, New Zealand has implemented regulations on the sale of e-cigarettes and vaping products to mitigate their appeal to children and young people, and address public health concerns. These include requirements for removable batteries in single-use (disposable) vaping products¹⁰.

Despite this, some health professionals in New Zealand are calling for  the governmentto place greater focus on youth vaping. The Health Coalition Aotearoa’s Smokefree Expert Advisory Group has expressed concerns that the measures, including the ban on disposable vapes, may not effectively curb youth vaping as intended. They argue that these measures do not address the core issues, such as the wide availability of vapes and the need for stronger enforcement of existing laws¹¹.

AIA Vitality is partnered with Allen Carr’s Easyway to Stop Smoking programme, offering a unique quitting approach. Unlike traditional methods, Allen Carr’s programme focuses on freeing individuals from addiction by changing their perspective towards smoking and vaping. This scientifically proven method is available at no cost for AIA Vitality members, ensuring a journey towards freedom without relying solely on willpower.

While vaping may offer a less harmful alternative for smokers attempting to quit, it comes with its own set of risks and is not recommended for non-smokers, children, or young adults. The most significant health benefits are observed when individuals cease all forms of smoking.

As we explore the complex landscape of vaping versus smoking, continuous research and public education are crucial to ensure informed health decisions.