Source – Electronic Cigarettes: Briefing for Smoking Cessation Services (NCSCT) January 2016
Is Nicotine Dangerous?
Nicotine does not cause smoking-related diseases such as cancer and heart disease. This is caused by other chemicals in tobacco smoke. Nicotine is addictive, so people continue to smoke even though they know the harmful effects of tobacco. Nicotine in e-cigarettes poses little danger to adult users. Electronic cigarettes and liquids should be stored safely (as with household cleaning products and medications, including NRT products) to prevent accidental poisoning of children.
How much should I use e-cigarettes to stop smoking?
As much as you need to help manage nicotine withdrawal and the urge to smoke. Soon you will discover the best way to use e-cigarettes and you will see that you use it when you need to refill. It’s not like a cigarette that you smoke from head to toe, you can take a sip or two with an e-cigarette and then put it aside. If you find that it is always in your mouth, you may need to use a stronger e-liquid.
Will e-cigarettes be cheaper for me than cigarettes?
Yes. After choosing your starter kit, you only need to replace a few pounds of atomizer (heating roll or ‘head’) and buy your electronic liquid, which can start at £ 3.00 per 10 ml. You will see savings much faster than buying cigarettes.
Is it possible to smoke and smoke at the same time?
Yes. There is no evidence that smoking and smoking increase health risks at the same time. However, the greatest health benefits are seen when people stop smoking completely, so quitting smoking should be the goal. Smoking cessation services can provide advice and support to help. Some people can completely switch to vaping quickly, while others take some time. You may want to try a number of different e-cigarettes and e-liquids before you find one that allows you to quit smoking completely, but this is quite normal.
Can I use e-cigarettes in places where I can’t smoke?
Not currently available legislation preventing or restricting the use of e-cigarettes. Smoking is not allowed in some places, while others are allowed; if there is no sign, you should ask.
Which nicotine-containing e-liquid should I use?
How much nicotine you need will depend on how much nicotine you take from your cigarette. And of course, how much nicotine you get from your e-liquid will depend on the type of e-cigarette you use and how you use it. As a rough guide, most 20 smokers a day find that 18 mg / ml (1.8%) is enough, so you can start with that and see how you continue.
Are e-cigarettes dangerous, exploding or burning?
As with any rechargeable device, it is important to charge with the correct charger and not leave the e-cigarette unattended while charging. Be sure to buy from reputable suppliers and avoid common filling equipment. Twice a week, e-cigarettes have been reported to cause fires in the UK, but this is far less than the number of fires caused by cigarettes.
Will I use e-cigarettes and overdose of nicotine more?
As with NRT, if you have more nicotine than you are used to, you may feel a little nauseous or lose your head, both of which pass quickly. If this happens, you can simply reduce the nicotine level in the e-liquid you buy or use less e-cigarettes. There is no risk of self-poisoning, and there have been no cases of overdose as a result of inhalation of e-liquid.
Are e-cigarettes safer for me than cigarettes?
Yes. Experts estimate that e-cigarettes are about 95% safer than cigarettes, based on what we know so far. Smoking is associated with a number of very serious health risks for both the smoker and those around him. Therefore, smokers who switch to e-cigarettes without smoking significantly reduce the great risk to their health. Some studies have found chemicals in e-cigarette smoke that are known to cause health problems. However, these chemicals have been found at very low levels that are unlikely to pose a serious health risk. When e-cigarettes are used at normal operating levels (for example, when not overheated), their vapors contain less harmful chemicals than tobacco smoke. If the electronic liquid is overheated, it gives a sharp, unpleasant taste – you will know if it will happen!
I cough a little when I use e-cigarettes
This is not uncommon, and you can benefit from switching to a more plant-based glycolic liquid, which can be more sedative than an electronic liquid with a high proportion of propylene glycol.
Is second-hand smoke from e-cigarettes dangerous?
Some studies have found traces of toxic substances in second-hand steam, but they are so low that they do not pose a threat to the health of others. There is no evidence that second-hand smoke is dangerous to others; however, it helps others to be respectful when using e-cigarettes, especially around non-smokers.
