NHS Scotland Confirm Vaping is Less Harmful than Cigarettes

E-cigarettes have become popular in recent years, with a larger number of e-cigarette companies, such as VIP, appearing on the market. This has led to many smokers deciding to ditch their cigarette packs in favour of vaping, with 3 million vapers in the UK. However, while tobacco companies have been required to display health warnings and images on their packets, e-cigarettes have remained a source of controversy.

With conflicting information about the benefits or health-related concerns of vaping, the information given to consumers has been unclear. As such, many people are unsure as to whether vaping offers any real benefits when compared to smoking.

Debates and Health Concerns

With fears relating to impact on health, there has been much debate about the safety of vaping. This has been particularly prevalent during the last couple of years, as the use of e-cigarettes has become more widespread.

There have been numerous articles and reports speculating that e-cigarettes were as bad – if not worse – than their counterparts, with one study claiming that ‘vaping could be as bad for the heart as smoking cigarettes,’ and another stating that e-cigarettes contain more carcinogenic chemicals than actual cigarettes.

At the same time, there have been a myriad of opposing views, claiming that e-cigarettes provide vapers with numerous health benefits, reducing the risk of diseases associated with smoking. But just where does the truth lie?

Less Dangerous Than Smoking

Research conducted by Cancer Research UK recently found that e-cigarettes are a much safer option when compared to smoking. The study highlighted that e-cigarettes have less impact on heath as they do not contain cancer-causing tobacco. Furthermore, the research showed that second-hand vapour is less harmful than second-hand smoke, and that e-cigarettes also help people to quit smoking.

In addition, Public Health England have backed vaping. Publishing a report that states e-cigarettes are ‘95% less harmful than smoking,’ PHE have also said that they should be available on an NHS prescription, as they help people to quit.

Lastly, NHS Scotland have seconded these positive findings. In a bid to clear up confusion and provide more accurate information, Dr Fraser of NHS Scotland has promoted the use of e-cigarettes, as they pose less risk to health than smoking.

The Future of E-Cigarettes

Source:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-42950607