Worrying simulation shows reality of smoking and vaping to 'compare which is worse’
A simulation has put smoking and vaping head-to-head to reveal which one is worse for your body.
Whether it's ingesting a cloud of cherry ice flavoured vape smoke or lighting up a traditional cigarette, it's fair to say that our collective dependance on nicotine is going nowhere.
According to data published by the World Health Organisation, an average of one in five adults are still addicted to nicotine. Recent studies have also revealed a shift in smoking habits, with one ONS survey revealing that more Brits use e-cigarettes than tobacco products.
The rise in popularity of vaping is largely down to accessibility - with flavoured, disposable products being more popular amongst young people - as well as health reasons, with current research suggesting vapes are a safer alternative to people who already smoke.
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A recent simulation shared by Untold Healing has also laid bare the differences between smoking and vaping via a series of handy visuals.
The simulation doesn't mince its words when it comes to the risks associated with smoking, stating that 'every puff delivers 7,000 chemicals' including carcinogens (cancer causing chemicals) such as benzene, formaldehyde and arsenic.
Cigarettes also contain tar, with the American Cancer Society stating there is anywhere between eight and 43 mg of tar in a single cigarette depending on the type purchased. Meanwhile, tobacco-specific nitrosamines can lead to mutations of your DNA.
Tobacco smoke also contains carbon monoxide, a chemical which stops the blood from carrying as much oxygen, thus limiting the amount of oxygen which reaches your organs.
In contrast vaping removes the combustion element from smoking, meaning that it contains '95 percent fewer toxic chemicals' than cigarettes.
These claims are backed up by research backed by the NHS which states that 'in the short and medium-term, vaping poses a small fraction of the risks of smoking'.
Research also suggests that people who switch from smoking to vaping also have a reduced exposure to toxins linked to cancer, lung disease, heart attacks and stroke.
However, it's important to note that while vaping is considered a safer alternative to smoking, it does not mean it is healthy.
E-cigarettes still contain nicotine, a highly addictive drug, which leads to an increase in heart rate and narrowing of the arteries.
Some vapes can also contain chemicals such as formaldehyde, a chemical which causes irritation as well as an increased risk of certain cancers. However, formaldehyde is banned in regulated vapes sold in the UK.
Unregulated vaping products also increase a person's risk of exposure to lead and nickel from the heating coils. Some illegal vapes can also contain diacetyl, an ingredient banned by the UK and EU, which can lead to popcorn lungs.
In short, smokers looking to cut down or quit should look to vaping as an alternative; however, non-smokers shouldn't take up the habit, thinking it is completely healthy.
Brenna Cooper