It’s important to making health-conscious choices using evidence-based information. Let’s explore and clarify common misconceptions surrounding smoking and vaping.
Myth: Smoking occasionally is not harmful.
Fact: Any amount of smoking is harmful. Even occasional smoking can still damage blood vessels, impair lung function and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Myth: Smoking and vaping helps manage stress.
Fact: Although smoking or vaping may offer temporary stress relief, they actually increase anxiety and stress levels in the long term. Withdrawal symptoms between uses can also heighten stress levels.
Myth: Vaping is harmless: I am only inhaling water vapor with a vape.
Fact: Vape juice is not just water. It contains chemicals including vegetable glycerine, propylene glycol, nicotine, flavourings and other heavy metals such as lead and arsenic, that can harm the lungs and cardiovascular system. What you see when vaping is actually an aerosol with these chemicals suspended in the air. Studies have found that vaping can expose users to more toxic metals than cigarettes.
Myth: Vaping is better than smoking and will help me quit smoking.
Fact: While some adults use e-cig to quit smoking, evidence on their effectiveness is mixed. E-cigs are currently not recognised by the World Health Organization as a legitimate cessation aid as there are not conclusive scientific evidence proving their safety and efficacy. Vaping can cause nicotine addiction in individuals who have never smoked traditional cigarettes and are more likely to pick up cigarettes smoking later in life.
Myth: The second-hand smoke is harmless and will not harm my family.
Fact: Second-hand vape aerosols from e-cigs, like second-hand smoke from cigarette, can be inhaled by your loved ones. These aerosols contain harmful substances, including nicotine as well as cancer-causing chemicals like formaldehyde and benzene. It is not safe for bystanders, especially children and pregnant women.
Myth: Vaping isn’t addictive; I can stop vaping anytime I choose to, with willpower alone.
Fact: Nicotine in e-cigs is highly addictive. Regular vaping can lead to nicotine dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and increased tolerance, similar to traditional smoking habits.
Myth: I will be reported to the authorities if I seek treatment for vaping.
Fact: The Ministry of Health stated in 2022 that individuals who wish to quit vaping will not be penalised when they come forward to seek professional help or participate in cessation programmes. There is currently no protocol to report individuals seeking help to authorities.
Myth: It’s too late to quit smoking.
Fact: It is never too late to quit smoking and start a healthy lifestyle. Quitting smoking at any age improves health and reduces the risk of smoking-related diseases.
Understanding the facts about smoking and vaping is crucial for making informed decisions about health. For support in quitting smoking or addressing vaping addiction, seek guidance from healthcare professionals.
