Vaping has been a contentious issue in the UK in recent times, particularly with more and more people seeking alternatives to traditional tobacco smoking. It is the inhalation of vapour produced by an electric device called a vape or e-cigarette. They heat up a liquid—usually containing nicotine, flavourings, and other chemicals—into a vapour, which is then breathed in. Since they were first developed, vaping products have come a long way, and disposable pens through to top-of-the-range, refillable kits are currently available.

While there are some who view vaping as a lifestyle change, to others it is just a method of giving up smoking. Even the NHS now considers vaping as being less dangerous than smoking cigarettes. And still, patchy public awareness about vaping continues with so many questions as to how safe, how good, and what the long-term consequences will be.

The Appeal of Vaping

There are several reasons why e-cigarettes have been so popular. One of them is the variety of flavors, ranging from fruit and sweet to mint and traditional tobacco. This is a nicer experience for the user, especially those who don’t like the taste and odor of traditional cigarettes.

One of the other distinguishing characteristics is the level of customisation. Users can choose their preferred level of nicotine strength, device type, and even settings such as temperature and airflow. For those who are attempting to quit smoking, this level of flexibility can assist in making tapering off levels of nicotine strengths over time simpler.

Additionally, vaping is cheap in the long run. Although it costs more in the beginning as opposed to buying a pack of cigarettes, the repeated cost of e-liquids and spares is cheaper. With cigarette prices increasing and smoking bans in place when carried out outdoors, vaping has provided a cheaper and more convenient alternative.

Health and Regulation

Perhaps the most common question about vaping is whether vaping is safe or not. Public Health England (now superseded by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities) asserted that vaping is significantly safer than smoking. This is partly because e-cigarettes don’t burn tobacco and emit tar and carbon monoxide—two of the most toxic components of cigarette smoke.

Though, vaping is one hundred percent safe. Vaping carries some studies gauging its possible effect on health when taken in the long term but specifically in the case of abuse or bought from uncontrolled sources. In line with this, the UK has stringent legislation in the form of Tobacco and Related Products Regulations (TRPR) under its jurisdiction. The regulation grants protection to all the e-liquids and products and defines them clearly with health warnings.

All UK legal vaping goods must be registered with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). It must also be age verification compliant so that there can’t be any sale under 18 years of age.

The Future of Vaping in the UK

With ongoing research and improving technology, vaping is likely to be at the center of the public health and control of smoking issue. Its influence is being carefully monitored by health professionals and policymakers, and additional studies are in progress to learn more about the long-term influence of consumers. Contact Wildfire Vape for more information.

Vaping is not for everyone, but for adult smokers, it is a wiser choice. Its success comes from its proper use—choosing regulated products, using safety measures, and being well-informed on nicotine potency. If you choose to vape in order to quit or familiarize yourself with the phenomenon itself, being aware of it leads to an informed choice.