Smoking vs. Vaping: Understanding the Impact on Your Health and Body

Understanding the Impact of Smoking and Prescribed Nicotine Vaping on Your Health

Smoking tobacco is a leading cause of preventable illness and death in Australia. Cigarette smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, more than 70 of which are known to cause cancer. These harmful substances can lead to serious health issues, including lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

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Health Risks of Smoking

When you inhale cigarette smoke, toxic chemicals rapidly enter your lungs and bloodstream, affecting nearly every organ. This exposure increases the risk of various cancers, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory illnesses, and reproductive problems. Smoking also accelerates the decline in lung function, leading to chronic respiratory conditions.

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Prescribed Nicotine Vaping: An Alternative Approach

In Australia, nicotine vaping products (NVPs) are available by prescription to assist with smoking cessation. These devices deliver nicotine without many of the harmful chemicals found in tobacco smoke. However, it's important to note that NVPs are not entirely risk-free. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) emphasises that while NVPs may be less harmful than smoking, they are not without potential health risks.

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Health Effects of Nicotine Vaping

The long-term health effects of vaping are still under investigation. Some studies suggest that vaping can cause throat irritation, cough, dizziness, headaches, and nausea. There have also been reports of e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury (EVALI). Additionally, the inhaled aerosol may contain hazardous chemicals, and in some cases, nicotine, even if labeled 'nicotine-free.'

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Comparing Smoking and Vaping

While both smoking and vaping involve inhaling substances into the lungs, the composition of what is inhaled differs significantly. Cigarette smoke contains numerous carcinogens and toxins, leading to well-documented health risks. Vaping aerosols, on the other hand, contain fewer toxic substances but are not entirely harmless. The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) advises caution, noting that the safety of e-cigarettes has not been established, and they may expose users to chemicals and toxins.

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Regulatory Perspective in Australia

As of 1 July 2024, all vapes, regardless of nicotine content, can only be sold in pharmacies for the purpose of helping people quit smoking or manage nicotine dependence. This measure aims to protect public health, particularly among young people, by regulating access to vaping products.

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Conclusion

Both smoking and prescribed nicotine vaping carry health risks, with smoking being the more harmful of the two. While prescribed NVPs may serve as a tool for smoking cessation, they are not without potential adverse effects. It's crucial to consult healthcare professionals when considering smoking cessation methods to ensure the chosen approach aligns with your health needs and circumstances.

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References:

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) 2024, Tobacco smoking and health risks, Australian Government, viewed 5 November 2024, https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/risk-factors/risk-factors-to-health/contents/tobacco-smoking.

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Australian Government Department of Health 2024, Effects of smoking and tobacco use on health, Australian Government, viewed 5 November 2024, https://www.health.gov.au/topics/smoking-vaping-and-tobacco/about-smoking/effects.

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Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) 2023, Vaping hub: Information for prescribers and consumers, Australian Government Department of Health, viewed 5 November 2024, https://www.tga.gov.au/products/unapproved-therapeutic-goods/vaping-hub/vapes-information-prescribers.

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National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) 2023, Assessment of electronic cigarette use and associated health risks, Australian Government, viewed 5 November 2024, https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/about-us/news-centre/australias-national-health-council-delivers-assessment-electronic-cigarettes.

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Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care 2024, New regulations on vaping products: Access through pharmacies only, Australian Government, viewed 5 November 2024, https://www.health.gov.au/topics/smoking-vaping-and-tobacco/about-vaping.