Vapes and electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are a growing trend in the Philippines, especially among young adults. According to the Institute of Global Tobacco Control, around 14% of Filipino youth and 2% of adults partake in vaping. And vape shops all around the country are only rising in numbers.

This trend now raises public health concerns. Although some people use vapes in an attempt to stop smoking, many young people who never smoked are now becoming dependent on nicotine because of vaping.

So, is vaping really a healthy alternative to smoking? Let’s find out.

How Vaping Works

Vaping involves inhaling vapor produced by an electronic device that heats a liquid called “e-juice” or “e-liquid.” 

This liquid typically contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. Unlike traditional cigarettes, vapes do not burn tobacco. Instead, they deliver nicotine in vapor form.

Many smokers switch to vaping because they believe it’s less dangerous than smoking. After all, the World Health Organization states that cigarettes kill more than 7 million people each year. 

Cigarettes release thousands of toxic chemicals when burned, which damage the lungs, heart, and various other organs.

Vapes don’t produce known toxins like tar or carbon monoxide, which makes them appear less risky. Some people also prefer vaping because of the variety of flavors and the lack of strong smoke odor.

The Health Risks of Vaping

Although vaping removes some harmful chemicals found in cigarettes, it’s not completely harmless. Recent research shows several health concerns, such as:

• Nicotine addiction, which can increase blood pressure, raise heart rate, and affect brain development in teenagers

• Irritating the lungs

• Damaging blood vessels and increasing the chance of heart disease

Aside from these risks, vaping can also be a gateway to smoking. Some studies suggest that young people who start vaping may be more likely to begin smoking cigarettes later.

Overall, in terms of toxic chemicals, vapes usually contain fewer harmful substances than cigarettes. So, they might reduce some of the damage caused by smoking. However, “less harmful” does not mean “safe.” Just because vaping removes tar does not mean it protects you from diseases.

It’s also important to note that some vape products are also unregulated, and there is a chance that they may contain dangerous or mislabeled ingredients.

The Safest Solution: Quitting Smoking and Vaping

The safest option for both smoking and vaping is to quit entirely. Doctors often recommend proven methods such as:

• Nicotine replacement therapy (patches, lozenges, or gum) to gradually reduce dependence

• Prescription medications that help control cravings

• Counseling and support groups to guide change

• Healthy coping habits, like exercise, hobbies, and stress management

Take Care of Your Heart and Lungs

So, is vaping a healthy alternative to smoking? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. While vaping may expose users to fewer harmful chemicals than traditional cigarettes, it still carries significant health risks. It’s still not a completely safe habit, especially for young people. The healthiest choice remains quitting nicotine entirely. It’s worth exploring safer, proven ways to quit smoking because your lungs, heart, and overall health are worth protecting