As of 2018, there were around 41 million e-cigarette users worldwide, and this number could still increase to 55 million by the end of 2021. This statistic proves that the popularity of vaping has risen in recent years. Alongside this trend, numerous misconceptions and questions circulate within the community of interested and new vapers. 

This article will answer some of the most common questions surrounding vaping and e-cigarettes to help new vapers and those who want to transition from smoking to be better informed about their choice.

Vaping FAQs

What is vaping?

Vaping is the inhaling of vapors using an electronic cigarette or vaping device. There is a heating element in the device that converts liquid into vapor, and the vape smoke can contain nicotine, flavoring, and other chemicals. Generally, vapers use vaping as an alternative or replacement for smoking tobacco. 

How do vapes work?

Vaping devices have three components: the battery, e-liquid, and a plastic or glass clearomizer or tank for holding the e-liquid. The process of how vapes work starts with the battery sending the current through the coil of resistance wire located inside the clearomizer. The wire is wrapped around a wick or cotton and is gently heated to turn the saturated e-liquid into vapor.      

For pod or cartridge-based devices such as RELX, the coil is housed within the replaceable e-liquid pods, making it necessary to replace the coil with every new pod. 

Vaping vs. smoking: What’s the difference?

The difference between vaping and smoking is that you inhale nicotine by burning tobacco, whereas vaping involves inhaling vapor (with or without nicotine) by heating a liquid. In vaping, the resulting vapor is free of tar and carbon monoxide, which are the two substances that cause the most damage to smokers.

What is in vape juice?

E-cigarette vapor contains vegetable glycerine, propylene glycol, flavorings, and sometimes nicotine. Aside from these ingredients, vape juice is essentially 66% water. Unlike tobacco, the scent of your vape juice does not linger long after you’ve vaped.

Is vaping safe?

Vaping is 95% less harmful than smoking cigarettes, according to research by Public Health England (PHE). While vaping is less damaging than tobacco, it’s still not completely harmless. There are some concerns regarding nicotine in e-liquids, as it’s known to cause circulation problems and heart disease. You can lower your health risks by choosing vape juice that contains little to no nicotine. 

Can vaping help me quit smoking?

As stated in a study made by the PHE, vaping has one of the highest successful quit rates (74% in 2020) among other stop smoking services. With this research, it makes sense to say that vaping can significantly help you stop smoking. However, there is no guarantee as it’ll still depend on what will work for you. 

Can I vape indoors?

In the Philippines, the use of e-cigarettes indoors is included under the regulations of smoking. You can’t vape in indoor public places and workplaces, such as healthcare facilities, government facilities, educational institutions, and establishments frequented by minors. 

However, there is an exception for specified public spaces and workplaces like nightclubs and bars. If they have “designated smoking and vaping areas (DSVAs),” you’re allowed to vape in that zone. 

Can I vape in public spaces?

Similar to smoking, vaping in public places isn’t allowed. The law defines public spaces as “enclosed or confined areas of all hospitals, medical clinics, schools, public transportation terminals and offices, and buildings such as private and public offices, recreational places, shopping malls, movie houses, hotels, restaurants and the like.” 

If these establishments have DSVAs, that’s the only area you’re allowed to smoke. Additionally, public conveyances, like elevators, airplanes, buses, taxicabs, ships, jeepneys, light rail transits, tricycles, and similar vehicles, are also off-limits to vaping. 

Is secondhand vape smoke dangerous?

Vape smoke has fewer harsh chemicals than tobacco smoke, but it doesn’t mean that it isn’t completely harmless. Potentially harmful substances such as heavy metals, diacetyl, benzene, and acrolein are present in most vape juices. However, there isn’t any conclusive research proving that these toxins have harmful effects on the health of non-vapers. 

What is the VG/PG ratio?

VG refers to Vegetable Glycerin, a derivative of vegetable oil commonly used to give a “thick” sensation to vapor. Meanwhile, PG is Propylene Glycol, a petroleum by-product that provides the “throat hit” or the feeling similar to smoking tobacco. Both compounds are e-liquid ingredients that affect the quality and features of the vaping experience.

If your vape juice has a heavier PG ratio, expect the vapor to have a stronger flavor and sharper throat hit but lesser clouds. E-liquids with a richer VG ratio will have a more muted flavor and little throat hit but greater cloud production.

Here’s a quick guide to getting your vape fix: If you want to vape stealthily, having higher PG will produce less vapor. If cloud-chasing (competitive events on creating the biggest clouds) interests you, vape juices with high VG will allow you to exhale dense clouds of vape smoke. 

Vape Responsibly

Studies have proven that vaping or using e-cigarettes is an effective alternative to smoking tobacco. However, there’s still so much research to be done around the different aspects of vaping, such as secondhand vaping health risks. You should stay informed with the latest information on vaping to ensure you are vaping safely and legally.

To get the best deals on high-quality vapes and pods, check out the official RELX store.