Vaping has taken off as a new way for people to enjoy the experience of smoking without the dangerous effects of tobacco, an obvious culprit for cancer. Many electronic cigarette companies claim that vapes are a safer alternative to cigarettes. However, many of these products are just as bad, if not worse, than traditional cigarettes. 

With a lack of reliable and consistent research on these products, the dangers can be high, or potentially unknown for many young smokers. 

Vapes and E-cigarettes were originally invented to help smokers rid of their pesky habit. They were made to look and feel like a traditional cigarette without the aftermath of tobacco, but still provide the nicotine high that smokers crave. Since smoking is not only a chemical addiction but also very visual, the E-cigarette was born. Vapes can contain a high level of nicotine—the chemical that fuels addiction—and can have even more nicotine than a traditional cigarette. 

According to an experiment that researched the impacts of vapes at Georgia College, “some E-cigarettes contain harmful toxins and greater amounts of nicotine, which can lead to severe addiction.” 

Yes, vapes might be an alternative for smokers hoping to quit, and yes, they might not crave cigarettes any longer. But the addiction will continue, making the individual addicted to their vape, assuming that it is somehow healthier for them. 

Regardless of the risk of developing cancer, smoking anything is not good for you, and can impact your lungs. It does not matter if something contains nicotine, tobacco, or other chemicals—inhaling smoke has dangerous effects. It causes damage to one’s lungs as well as causes someone to start using cigarettes to fuel their addiction. 

According to NBC News, “the substance that E-cigarette users breathe in and exhale can contain harmful and potentially harmful substances like nicotine, chemicals and heavy metals.” 

Due to this, many smokers might not be aware of what is in their vapes. And for certain products like personal hookahs that are rechargeable, there have been a few injuries reported due to them. 

These batteries have been known to be faulty, resulting in mild to severe burning of the face and hands. Though rare, the fact that these vapes could harm your outside appearance is enough evidence to suggest that they aren’t the best behind the scenes for your lungs either. 

Vaping is at an all time high in today’s society. The amount of teenagers who engage in the daily usage of these products has risen immensely. According to the American Journal of Medicine, those who vape are 4 times more likely to start smoking cigarettes. This means that if someone is a smoker and starts vaping, they might go back to their habit, or a person who vapes might start smoking and develop a dangerous addiction. People constantly look for a quick fix, a cheap alternative, and a disposable option for their habits. 

Many people assume that the vape versus smoking debate is like picking the lesser of two evils. However, there are negatives to both. Even the companies that make these products claim they could be worse than typical cigarettes. 

According to the Juul website, one Juul pod is the equivalent of smoking 20 cigarettes in the amount of nicotine. Vapes contain candy-like flavors in their juice which could attract a younger audience. Those who have access to vapes and E-cigarettes are likely to start smoking traditionally. 

Even if electronic cigarettes are less dangerous, it is not worth taking the risk of addiction on products that have not been heavily researched, and could have deadly effects on the body and brain.