Vaping vs. Smoking: Which Habit Is the Safer Choice?

Smoking has always had a fairly bad reputation due to the many negative health concerns it brings up. Recent years have shown a marked increase in the popularity of vaping as an alternative to smoking. But even then, a few recent controversies in the USA involving its misuse (resulting in fatalities) have shed a bad light on vaping as both a recreational activity and a smoking alternative.

How has smoking been affected by the UK government’s pressure?

In 2007, a ban was placed in many public spaces in the UK. 2015 saw the banning of smoking in cars with children present as well. Taxation on tobacco and related products also saw a rise in the prices of cigarettes. 

That being said, these regulations only resulted in a 5% decline in smoking in the last ten years. As of 2018, nearly a sixth of the UK population still considered themselves smokers. Smoking is proving a difficult habit to kick, with research suggesting that it takes roughly thirty attempts to quit smoking before a person is successful. 

While existing smokers have not decreased, their numbers are likely to decrease in the future. The probability of a person developing a smoking habit has lowered, meaning there will be fewer new smokers down the line. 

But what about vaping?

A study that analysed vaping habits of UK citizens from 2012–2017 has shown that the use of vaping devices and e-cigarettes has increased over 314%—from 700,000 users to 2.9 million. It has seemingly replaced smoking, following patterns similar to smoking statistics before the introduction of vaping.

People aged 25–34 are more likely to vape, followed by the 35–49 age group. It seems apparent that the assumption that vaping is prevalent among teens is actually erroneous, as vaping seems far more common in adults. Similar to smoking statistics prior to the year 2012, men are also more likely to vape than women. 

In terms of frequency, around 70% of vapers report that they do so every day, with the rest doing it as infrequently as once a week or once a month and less. 

The reasons for vaping

A large percentage of vapers report that their reason for vaping is to kick the habit of smoking. In particular, they vape in order to slowly reduce their dependence on nicotine, with the number of smokers switching to vapes having grown steadily since 2015—to the joy of many vape shops in the UK. 

While there’s still plenty of research to be done about the risks associated with vaping, it is proving a safer alternative to smoking, as it offers greater control over the chemical intake of users. And while it might pose its own health concerns, they are still nowhere near that of the risks people take when they smoke. 

The recent controversies surrounding vaping usually involve product misuse and bad juices, which have not been an issue in the UK due to the country’s stringent policies on the protection of the consumer. Vape shops here are held to higher standards than most other countries. 

In conclusion

Smoking, despite its slower-than-expected decline, is at an all-time low in the UK. More and more, people are seeing and using vaping as a superior and healthier alternative to tobacco use. As fewer people consider smoking to be a social habit that they must participate in, more and more see vaping as an enjoyable hobby. 

If you’re looking for the best vape shop in the UK, send us a message at Vapin Loud. We have a great selection for vapers of all experience levels.