If you’re currently comparing vaping vs smoking, then you should be aware of the benefits and risks of each activity. In fact, many people who are smokers already look to vaping as a safer alternative. The important part is to make an informed decision no matter what your feelings on either subject.

Here is how smoking and vaping stack up against one another:

Smoking

What is smoking? Cigarette smoking involves light a rolled cigarette containing tobacco and puffing on it. These cigarettes are typically sold in packs of 20, or cartons of 10 packs total, and they can cost a lot due to the heavy taxes imposed on cigarettes and cigarette companies. While some smokers only smoke occasionally or in social situations, others may smoke up to a pack a day or more and become irate when they don’t get their “fix.” Many public places have imposed smoking bans in order to protect non-smokers from secondhand smoke.

Why do people smoke cigarettes? It is easy to get addicted to cigarette smoking because of the nicotine in cigarettes. Many people experience a rush when they smoke due to this substance, and they may experience withdrawal after a prolonged period. However, many smokers report that they smoke to relieve stress or to feel like they are part of a group.

What are the risks of smoking? Unfortunately, smoking has an overall negative impact on a person’s health. Cigarettes contain tar and carcinogens known to cause cancer, and many smokers develop respiratory problems and a “smoker’s cough” over time. Cigarettes can also cause discoloration on the fingers, create more wrinkles around the lips, and can impact dental health, as well. Secondhand smoke, meaning smoke breathed in by non-smokers, can also cause health problems for those who are around it on a regular basis.

Vaping

What is vaping? Vaping is the act of puffing on an electronic cigarette. These “e cigs,” or vapor cigarettes, are operated by a battery, and they contain a mechanism that turns an “e liquid” into a vapor. Vapor cigarettes are available as both disposable (or recyclable) and rechargeable, depending upon user preference.

Why do people use electronics cigarettes? Many people who begin vaping started because they wanted to quit smoking. E cigs are popular because they come in a variety of different models, and they can be filled with e liquid containing a variety of flavors. Flavors besides tobacco and menthol, like fruit, candy, chocolate, and coffee, are especially popular in the vaping community.

What are the risks of e cigs? While it is generally agreed upon that vaping carries far less risk than smoking tobacco cigarettes, it hasn’t yet been studied in depth. Some have raised concerns over the substances used to create e liquid; others still consider these substances harmful because they can contain nicotine. However e liquid can be bought without nicotine in it for those who do not need it or those who have weaned themselves from it after smoking previously.

Vaping vs Smoking

Ultimately, in the battle of vaping vs smoking, it is up to the user to determine what he or she would like to do. If you are considering quitting smoking to start vaping, find others in your area who have made the switch, too. You can also compare e cigs online, and find out more about the benefits and risks of vaping with a bit of research. Have more questions? Leave a comment below.