The term “vaping” refers to a substance being heated to the point of releasing vapor, but not combusting as cigarettes would for example. Vaping devices include a mouthpiece, battery, cartridge/tank/pod which you would fill up with e-liquid/vape juices, and a heating component called the atomizer. The device heats up the e-liquid (also called e-juice or vape juice) to create the vapor that is inhaled into the lungs and then exhaled.

Most e-liquids contain nicotine, which is an addictive substance. Unless you are vaping 0mg nicotine e-liquids, you will most likely get addicted to vaping as your body starts to crave the sensation nicotine gives when vaping it. This is why vaping is recommended to people who smoke and already have a nicotine addiction, it is a healthier alternative to vape instead of smoke. We do not recommend vaping with nicotine if you have no need to.

If this were the case, you would simply drown yourself when taking a shower. When you shower you inhale water vapour, when you vape, you inhale water vapour, so no, vaping will not put water on your lungs

The majority of e-liquids made today contain an ingredient called Propylene Glycol (PG), and yes, Propylene Glycol is an ingredient sometimes used in the manufacturing of antifreeze. The FDA recognise Propylene Glycol as safe for human consumption and also environmentally friendly. Furthermore, Propylene Glycol is also sometimes used in the manufacturing of other food products like ice cream and margarine.

A number of studies have shown that vaping is less harmful than cigarette smoking. A report released in 2015 by Public Health England (PHE) claimed that overall, vaping is 95% less harmful than cigarettes. This was based on the fact that e-liquids do not contain any of the harmful or hazardous chemicals contained in cigarettes.

E-cigarettes commonly use lithium-ion batteries, the same as your laptop, cell phone, or most other electronic devices with rechargeable batteries. None of these devices pose any risk of exploding as long as they are used safely and as intended. Yes, manufacturing defects or user errors may occur, but the majority of reported cases were due to improper usage or poor maintenance. It is also recommended that you never use damaged batteries, you should always use approved or recommended chargers, store your batteries correctly and safely, replace them regularly and never overcharge them.

There are only 4 chemicals used when making e-liquids.  Propylene Glycol (PG), Vegetable Glycerine (VG), Nicotine (which is optional) or CBD (also optional), and Flavouring. Interestingly enough, all of these ingredients (except for nicotine) can be found in products we use on a daily basis like food, drinks, cosmetics, and medication. Still, we strongly advise that you do not drink e-liquid, but it is absolutely safe for vaping.

Because vaping does not involve combustion, there are very little to no harmful chemicals compared to cigarettes that get exposed when you vape. Studies show that the vapour released contains the same amount of carcinogens as the ambient air. It should be noted that e-cigarettes can be a source of second-hand nicotine, but not any of the combustion toxicants.

Yes, it’s true that in your teenage years you are more likely to get curious and get tempted to start smoking, and when there is something new and exciting or fashionable on the market, teens are more likely to try it out. Chances are that teenagers that smoke cigarettes already, may turn to vaping as an alternative. That being said, it should be noted that vaping is designed and marketed as an alternative to smoking or as a means to quit smoking. Like cigarettes, the Law prohibits the sale of e-cigarettes and e-liquids to those under 18’s.

E-liquids in general do not contain any water and those that do, contain extremely little. As there is little to no water in e-liquids, there is no way that vaping can cause water in the lungs.

Popcorn lung, or as it’s known medically, bronchiolitis obliterans is an inflammatory condition caused by a variety of chemicals or respiratory infections. Some of these chemicals include chlorine, ammonia, oxides of nitrogen or sulfur dioxide, or welding fumes. Some food flavoring fumes (such as diacetyl) can also cause irritation when inhaled in high amounts. The flavours used in the manufacturing of e-liquids, that do contain diacetyl, contain significantly lower amounts than what can be found in cigarettes.

There have been international reports of deaths linked to vaping and the media loves to blow this out of proportion. What the media fail to mention is that the majority of these cases are linked to people that buy e-liquids or devices from the black market or from unauthorised dealers or outlets.

As there is no combustion there is no smoke! When vaping, the e-liquid is heated in the device and you inhale the vapour. It’s like standing in front of your braai and smelling and inhaling the smoke vs holding a cup of coffee or tea and inhaling the steam.

“Wet Lung” is a term coined by the media for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), a type of respiratory failure that can be caused by various trauma to the lungs, pneumonia, pancreatitis, and certain rare allergic reactions. A small number of people can have an allergic reaction to the Propylene Glycol (PG) contained in most e-liquids.

Nicotine does not cause cancer! There are over 7000 chemicals in traditional cigarettes, 70 of those chemicals, also known as carcinogens, can cause cancer. Nicotine is just an additive in cigarettes and some e-liquids.

There is such a thing as nicotine poisoning and this can be potentially deadly. However fatal overdoses are rare. There is data suggesting that more than 0.5g of oral nicotine ingestion is required to be fatal to adults. That is why we say, don’t drink your e-liquid. The amount of nicotine taken in when vaping or even smoking is not nearly enough to cause nicotine poisoning.

There could be multiple reasons for this.

Headaches could be caused due to vaping too much, in saying this, headaches are usually caused when vaping too much of a high nicotine strength. Remember that when you vape, nicotine enters the bloodstream causing blood vessels to narrow, which allows for less blood flow to your brain, in turn giving you a headache. If you are experiencing this, we recommend taking a short break to allow your blood to flow or try switching over to a secondary vape that has a lesser nicotine strength.

“Dry Mouth” is caused by dehydration, nicotine is known for causing dehydration especially when vaping high milligrams of it. It is important to drink enough water throughout the day to ensure your body stays hydrated while you vape!

Coughing could be due to vaping e-liquid that may be harsh for you, different brands may use different nicotine which in some e-liquids may be harsher and in others, it could be smoother. Another factor is flavoring. Some flavours are found to have a harsher inhale than others and this could also be causing a cough. If you are experiencing this consider switching over to a different nicotine strength or try a different flavour variant.

Vaping is less harmful than smoking, but there has not been enough research on vaping to determine any long-term side effects. Putting any sort of smoke, vapor, or substance into your lungs is not ideal, but vaping has been proven to have way less harm than a conventional cigarette. E-liquid, the substance which is vaporized by an e-cigarette, only contains 3-4 ingredients, vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol, food-grade flavouring, and nicotine (most brands have 0 nicotine options). Cigarettes, on the other hand, contain over 7000 chemicals, most of which are toxic. Just to name a few of the harmful chemicals in cigarettes, tar, formaldehyde, ammonia and so much more, these chemicals not only affect you but the people around you.

Vaping is a good way to quit smoking as it is the healthier alternative to cigarettes. It’s the best way to get your nicotine kick without all the harmful toxins that come from the burning of tobacco. You get to remain social, spend less, and once you have quit smoking you will feel so much better! Although Vaping is a lot healthier than smoking cigarettes there is not enough long-term research to suggest that it is completely harmless.