E-cigarettes – Make Smoking History

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E-cigarettes

E-cigarettes, or vapes, are now the most popular stop smoking aids. Many smokers have quit by switching from cigarettes to vaping.

What are e-cigarettes?

In recent years, e-cigarettes have become a very popular stop smoking aid in the UK. Also known as vapes or e-cigs, they’re far less harmful than cigarettes and can help you quit smoking for good.

An e-cigarette is an electronic device that allows you to inhale nicotine in a vapour rather than smoke.

Unlike cigarettes, they do not burn tobacco or produce tar or carbon monoxide. They work by heating a liquid that typically contains nicotine and flavourings.

Using an e-cigarette is known as vaping.

Is vaping safe?

In the UK, e-cigarettes are highly regulated for safety and quality.

They’re not completely risk free but they’re significantly safer than cigarettes.

The liquid and vapour contain some potentially harmful chemicals also found in cigarette smoke, but at much lower levels.

E-cigarettes are only recommended for people wanting to quit smoking. Non-smokers should never start vaping.
Watch video: impact of smoking vs vaping (PHE)

What type of e cigarettes are there?

There are different types of vapes and strengths of nicotine liquids. A vape specialist or stop smoking advisor can help you find the right device for you.

Cigalikes

Cigalikes look similar to cigarettes and can be disposable or rechargeable.

Pod systems

Pod systems are compact rechargeable devices, often shaped like a USB stick or a pebble, with e-liquid capsules.

Vape Pens

Vape pens are shaped like a pen or small tube, with a tank to store e-liquid, replaceable coils and rechargeable batteries.

Mods

Mods come in different shapes and sizes, but are generally the largest e-cigarette devices. They have a refillable tank, longer lasting rechargeable batteries, and variable power.

Is e-cigarette vapour harmful to others?

There’s no evidence so far that vaping causes harm to other people around you.

This is in contrast to second-hand smoke from smoking, which is known to be very harmful to health.

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Vaping while pregnant

Little research has been conducted into the safety of e-cigarettes in pregnancy, but they’re likely to be much less harmful to a pregnant woman and her baby than cigarettes.

If you’re pregnant, nicotine replacement products such as patches and gum are the recommended option to help you stop smoking.

But if you find using an e-cigarette helpful for quitting and staying smokefree, it’s much safer for you and your baby than continuing to smoke.

Is vaping 'cheating'?

No! If you switch to vaping and no longer smoke tobacco then you have quit smoking – congratulations!

Over time, you may want to reduce the nicotine in your e-cigarette.

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When you start smoking, you don’t realise how strong that addiction is. I am just so grateful now for every single day with my family.
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More ways to quit

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Nicotine replacement

Nicotine replacement therapy (or NRT) can help you combat cravings when you first stop smoking.
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Medication

Stop smoking medication can help people who are highly addicted to tobacco to overcome their addiction.
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Stop smoking services

With help you’re much more likely to quit for good than if you use willpower alone.
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