The evidence to support vaping as a smoking cessation tool is inconclusive. Those who smoke intending to quit smoking by using vaping devices should make an informed decision and know that vaping may provide a less harmful alternative but it still carries risk. The potential harms need to be considered before making a decision to vape. It is also important that people know that the use of vaping products has also been linked to initiation of cigarette smoking, which could lead to an endless cycle of smoking behaviour and nicotine addiction. More research needs to be done to find out whether vaping products can be considered a safer cessation (quitting) tool.
Individuals wanting to quit should try evidence-based methods (counseling, nicotine replacement products and prescription drugs) first and consult with a medical professional to determine the best approach to help them quit all products, including exploring a number of existing pharmaceutical and therapy-based methods that are evidence -based. For help with quitting, visit https://www.lung.ca/lung-health/smoking-and-tobacco.
Vaping take-aways:
- Learn the facts: Vaping is not without risk and so understanding the potential short and long-term health outcomes before vaping is recommended.
- Youth, those who do not smoke, pregnant women and people who have quit smoking should not vape.
- Younger people should be educated to understand their increased risk of nicotine addiction compared with the general population and should be strongly encouraged to not try or start vaping.
- If you smoke and are using vaping to quit, e-cigarettes may be less harmful than traditional cigarettes. Things to consider:
- Monitor for symptoms affecting your lung health and let your healthcare provider know you vape.
- Do not smoke and vape during the same time period.
- Talk to a health professional about options for quitting.
- The ultimate goal is to quit all nicotine products, including vaping.
