Research shows that approximately 44% of the UK population are still misinformed about vaping, overestimating the dangers or even falsely believing e-cigarettes to be as harmful as smoking.
To those who are e-cigarette users these numbers may seem shocking, but with a Cancer Research UK funded study finding that fewer than 6 in 10 people are accurately informed about the relative risks of vaping verses smoking, it is obvious that there is still much work needed to spread awareness of the truth about vaping.
The Root of the Problem
The study found that one of the main issues facing vaping at the moment is the misconception that nicotine causes cancer.
Although nicotine is still in itself a harmful substance, the relative harm caused is very minimal in comparison to that of the many chemicals produced upon the combustion of tobacco.
Public Health England, along with many other major health organisations support e-cigarettes as a safer alternative to smoking, due to the findings that e-cigarettes are at least 95% safer than smoking.
The study found that four out of ten people believed that nicotine is the aspect of smoking which causes cancer, with 9 out of 10 people attributing nicotine with far more health complications than it is actually proven to cause.
Nicotine is an addictive substance, and can cause constriction of the blood cells, which can leave users at risk of developing health problems like gum disease.
However, these complications pale in comparison to the cancers and stroke risk that are so readily associated with smoking. It is making this distinction that could mean the difference between someone continuing to smoke cigarettes and deciding to make the switch to an e-cigarette or another form of nicotine replacement therapy.
Fighting Misconceptions
Since this study was undertaken, the team are discussing another study to see how informing a group of volunteers of the correct statistics relating to vaping will change their willingness to make the switch.
It is important to consider the opinions of the wider population; non-smokers who are uninformed or misinformed could be reluctant to recommend e-cigarettes to friends and family as a stop smoking aide, as they believe it to carry the same risks as smoking.
Word of mouth is a powerful tool, and bringing the benefits of e-cigarettes to the forefront via social media and the wider media could result in a massive shift in public opinion, from smokers and non-smokers alike. It is this kind of shift that is much needed to help make e-cigarettes more widely accepted and to help lift the burden of smoke related diseases on our national health system.
If you would like to learn more about e-cigarettes and how they could help you or a family member to quit smoking, pop in to your local Evapo vape store and speak with a team member.
You can also watch this video, from Public Health England, of an experiment they conducted into the effects and differences between vaping and smoking:
Alternatively, we have a range of articles offering advice and information about making the switch available on our vape blog.
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