ASH & CRUK Tobacco Control Report 2019

ASH and Cancer Research UK (CRUK) have published their sixth annual report looking at local tobacco control and smoking cessation services in England. The report presents the findings of a survey of tobacco control representitives from all local public health authorities in England.

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Myths About Vaping: Debunked!

Myths About Vaping: Debunked!

These days, more and more people are turning away from traditional smoking to try something new: vaping. Vaping is becoming very popular these days, because of all of the great flavor options available as well as how much easier it can be to vape than to smoke in most locations. There are still some people, though, who are not sure whether vaping is right for them. This is usually because they have heard misconceptions about what it means to vape, and we are here to debunk those myths.

Myth #1 All Electronic Cigarettes Have Antifreeze

This is a persistent myth that many people believe to be true. There is no truth to it, however. As soon as these claims began, individual labs conducted testing to see if the electronic cigarettes had any diethylene glycol, the main ingredient in antifreeze. The experiments found no trace of this substance. It is important to note that if vaping cigarettes did have this substance, there would be daily cases of illnesses and overdoses, which there are not.

Myth #2 Vaping is More Addictive than Smoking

A lot of people think this is true, in part because one of the first studies the FDA did on vaping showed that there were higher levels of nicotine in the cartridges than were advertised. The truth is that vaping actually processes nicotine in a different manner than cigarettes, so the cartridges do need to have more of it in order to provide the same amount. Many studies have shown that, actually, people who vape might end up getting less nicotine in their systems than if they smoked.

Myth #3 Second-Hand Vapor is Dangerous to Bystanders

This is a very common misconception that people have about vaping. The most harmful part of second-hand smoking is the tar that cigarettes have, which burns and creates smoke. This is not an issue with electronic cigarettes, since all they create is vapor. Yes, nicotine is released into the air, but it is a minimal amount that most people will not be affected by. The vapor that comes from vape mods also dissipates much more quickly than smoke, so that bystanders will not even be bothered by it the way they can be with smoke. For this reason, many more people are choosing to vape. You will also find that you are able to vape in many more locations than you can smoke, so it is something to consider.

Myth #4 Vaping is Only for Young People

Many people think that vaping is advertised directly to younger people. This is because of the different flavors available, as well as some of the more colorful wrappings, but people of all ages have turned to vaping. This is because it offers flavors that cigarettes cannot provide and because it can be interesting to experience a new product. Many people who have smoked cigarettes for most of their adult life are now switching over to vaping because of the variety and the ease of use, not to mention that vaping is allowed in more locations than smoking these days. Whether you want new flavors or you want to stick with more traditional options, vaping can be the right choice for you.

These are some of the most pervasive myths that people have about vaping. It is important to always do your research and not to just listen to rumors, since a large part of them have been proven wrong by science. Vaping can be the perfect option for a lot of people who want to take a break from cigarettes but who do not want to stop smoking altogether.

Article Written by: Devin Caldwell

Can you overdose on Nicotine from Vaping

Can you overdose on Nicotine when vaping?

Nicotine is a form of poison, and this is something that many people are concerned about when they think of switching to vaping. Traditional cigarettes are massively toxic, but people are still worried about taking in too much nicotine while vaping, and are interested to know the signs of nicotine overdose. Here, we explore the question – can you overdose on Nicotine when vaping?

The thing to remember here, is the quantity in which it is consumed determines whether it is going to have a toxic effect on the body or not, and many things deemed as harmless to us can be toxic in larger amounts.

According to a list of toxic doses, nicotine is stated as being toxic in quantities between 30 and 60 mg. In terms of vaping, this would be equal to about 4ml of e-liquid, which would actually have to be consumed all in one go to have this potentially harmful effect. Because the body doesn't process the nicotine all in one go at speed, this isn't really possible.

It is reported that it would have to be even more than this, stating that those who died from nicotine overdose had over 20 times this 'toxic' amount in them. Also, many people exposed to this large amount showed no symptoms. So, in a nutshell, the answer to – can I overdose on nicotine while vaping? Is – No

How do I know I've had too much nicotine?

While it is highly unlikely you are going to get nicotine poisoning from vaping, even when vaping heavily, you can feel the effects of perhaps having a bit too much for your body to handle in one go. Symptoms of this can be a slight feeling of nausea, in which case it is best to just take a break. In extreme cases, you may vomit, but this is only if you ignore your body's signal of feeling nauseas when you have taken a bit too much. This might be accompanied with a headache in some people.

Along with nausea and headaches, overdoing it with the vaping (and taking in too much nicotine) can also result in symptoms such as; increased salivation, stomach cramps, diarrhoea, and maybe even confusion and slight anxiety. While these are symptoms of in-taking too much nicotine, it is highly unlikely you will feel these effects from vaping, even heavily.

Could I get nicotine poisoning from vaping?

Even if you are a heavy vaper, it is highly unlikely that you are going to get nicotine poisoning. Mathematically, you would have to vape something like 40ml within 2 hours, which would be just the minimum toxic dose. This just isn't likely to happen, and if it did in some magical way, it would be unlikely it could all be absorbed into the body at once and poison you.

There have been several experiments carried out in measured ways to see just how likely it is to overdose on nicotine using it in this way, and the results have all concluded that it is highly unlikely, and near on impossible.

What should I do if I experience nausea or headaches from vaping?

If you find yourself experiencing symptoms such as nausea and headaches from vaping, it is possible that the strength you are using is too high for your body's liking. Try reducing the strength of your e-liquid, or vape less.

NEVER Ingest Nicotine

While vaping nicotine has a very slim chance of causing any noticeable harm, it does not mean that you can drink e-liquid. It is also vital to keep e-liquid away from children and animals, as due to their smaller size they can experience much larger consequences from ingesting nicotine than an adult would.

If you get e-liquid on the skin, be aware that it can be absorbed through the skin and the nicotine into the body. If you spill any on your hands, be sure to wash them immediately.

What should I do if I develop symptoms?

If you develop symptoms that you think may be related to nicotine then it is best to seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you feel your symptoms are nothing to worry about then you can ease off the vaping, call for medical advice, or wait until the next day to see how you feel. However, if a child or animal has ingested e-liquid or nicotine, it is vital that you seek medical attention straight away.

Please note that this is not a medical article and no health advice should be taken from it. If in doubt about any symptoms, always seek medical attention.

VG and PG Explained

PG and VG in Vaping - Explained

In terms of e-liquid, juice or e-juice, ratios of PG and VG can be seen on the labels. For newcomers to vaping, this might seem baffling at first, so here we shall explain all about PG and VG in vaping and how the ratios of these ingredients affect the vaping experience.

What does PG stand for in vaping? In e-liquid vaping terms, PG stands for Propylene Glycol. Propylene Glycol is an alcohol which is void of colour and odour. It's chemical name is propane-1,2-diol. In general, PG is regarded as a safe and non-toxic substance, and is found in a wide range of products from cosmetics to pet food.

What does VG stand for in vaping? VG on e-liquid bottles stands for Vegetable Glycerine. This is an alcohol which is also colourless and odourless, however VG is much sweeter in taste than PG, as well as being more viscous. It's chemical name is propane-1,2,3-triol. Just as PG is, VG is also considered safe and non-toxic to consume, being found in food and other products.

What is the difference between PG and VG in vaping? The differences between the two e-liquid ingredients, PG and VG, in e-liquid lie very much in their chemical structures, an how this enables them to behave.

E-liquids higher in PG will give a stronger throat hit when vaping, similar to that of a traditional cigarette. This is something that is favoured by those who are switching from smoking to vaping, making the transition much easier. PG based e-liquids are thinner, and therefore better at soaking the wick more effectively, which can help prevent the problem of burnt wick. Another advantage PG has over VG is that it carries flavours more effectively.

E-liquids higher in VG will be smoother on the throat when vaping, which is ideal for those who do not like a strong hit to the throat, or for those who are looking to wean off the feeling of smoking. While VG gives a lesser throat hit, it does produce larger vapour clouds. The clouds of vapour are thicker and denser than PG clouds. By striking the right balance in e-liquid mixtures, it is possible to produce blends which give a substantial vapour, while also giving a satisfying throat hit. The more experienced people get with vaping, the more they will likely experiment and find something that suits their personal taste the best.

How to find the best PG VG ratio in e-liquid Some people might find they are sensitive to PG, which can irritate the throat. Although this is rare, the good news is that that person can still vape by switching to VG based e-liquids. Many e-liquids come in a 50/50 ratio of PG to VG, and many beginners start with that, however it is possible to buy other mixes to satisfy your personal requirements.

Choose a higher ratio of VG if you want large clouds of vapour and a smoother feeling on the throat. VG e-liquids also give a sweeter taste too. If you want the strong throat hit from vaping, then choose a higher ration of PG in your liquid. A higher ratio of PG is also useful for those who find they have problems with the wick drying out or the coil burning.

5 Reasons You Should Quit Smoking and Switch to E-Cigarettes

5 Reasons You Should Quit Smoking and Switch to E-Cigarettes

Some smokers are still unsure whether they should switch to e-cigarettes or not, still unsure of the benefits they can reap by ditching smoking and taking up vaping. Here, we have put together our 5 good reasons for switching to e-cigarettes;

1 - Vaping is better for your health

At the top of the list would be - health. Vaping is considered better for your health than smoking traditional cigarettes. Tobacco contains about 70 carcinogens, amongst thousands of chemicals, and the damage done to your health is no secret. In comparison, e-cigarettes only contain a minute amount of chemicals, none of which are the cancer-causing carcinogens that are found in traditional cigarettes. Public Health England concluded in a report that vaping is 95% safer than using tobacco, and The Royal College of Physicians have backed using e-cigs too.

2 - You can Vape indoors without causing offence

Vaping causes no offensive odour, it doesn't stick to clothes nor make the house constantly smell. It also does not produce second-hand smoke which is harmful to others around you. Vaping does not come under the UK ban issued by the government, disallowing smoking of tobacco indoors in public places, and so some establishments will allow it. Whether it be a workplace, a pub, or a shopping centre, it might be possible to vape freely, however it is always best to check.

3 - Vaping will save you money

There should be no doubt that with the rising cost of tobacco, switching to vaping will certainly save you money. The average vaper might spend £10 per week, including the cost of batteries, coils, liquids etc over time. Compared with the cost of smoking, there are massive savings to be made. There is vaping equipment to suit any budget, you can do it as cheaply as you want, or decide to buy the more expensive tanks.

4 - Vaping gives you freedom to experiment

Vaping can be a lot of fun, experimenting with new flavours and trying various brands out. The majority of vaping equipment is interchangeable, and so once you buy a starter kit, or even your initial electronic cigarette set up, you will be able to add components when you desire. When you take up vaping, you need not stay loyal to one brand, and you can even have a go at mixing your own e-liquid flavours.

5 - Vaping is safer than smoking

Aside from vaping being better for your health than smoking, vaping is also safer due to the fact that it is not a lit and burning device. Cigarettes have been a large cause of house fires over the years, and switching to e-cigs is one way to prevent this risk. It can be left on the sofa or picked up in the night, be left near children or pets, and no fire associated risk is present. It is important however to always check that the charging plug and lead are safe to use, and unplugged when not in use.