QUEZON City, Philippines (May 21) – To vape or not to vape… that is the question in the minds of those craving for their nicotine fix. This especially after President Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order No. 26, banning the smoking of tobacco products in public places, except in designated public areas.
But what is vaping? Vaping means smoking an electronic cigarette or an e-cigarette. An electronic cigarette is a hand-held electronic device that creates an aerosol by heating a liquid. The user then inhales the aerosol. The liquid is usually made of propylene, glycol, glycerin and flavorings. At the option of the user, the liquid may or may not contain nicotine.
Vaping is usually associated with images of people blowing out impressive amounts of smoke. This usually irritates people. Just imagine sitting next to a vaper!
The act of vaping can also be considered a lifestyle or a sub-culture with specialty shops dedicated to their needs. Vapers personalize their e-cigarettes and gather together to show each other their instruments and share opinions on the flavor and the like.
Cigarette smokers also try vaping just so they can quit smoking.
And while many countries subject cigarette smoking to legislation, vaping has – so far – evaded the eyes of the law.
There are two contradictory things that you must have heard about vaping. One, it is harmless. Two, it is more dangerous than cigarette smoking.
Currently, the consensus among medical organizations is that e-cigarettes expose users to fewer toxic substances than when they smoke a cigarette.
But this only applies to first-hand vapers. It turns out that second-hand vape like second-hand smoke is dangerous to the person inhaling it as the vapor release is considered a pollutant. This is according to a study conducted by the World Health Organization.
E-cigarettes that contain nicotine are also very addictive, so smokers who become vapers may just be replacing one addiction with another.
So to vape or not to vape? That is still the question.
(written by Jay Paul Carlos, additional research by Vince Alvin Villarin)