Smokers the world over have long been seeking an answer to the question ‘how can I quit smoking?’ After years of using gum, lozenges, throat spray and even cold turkey to try and kick the habit, the answer, according to medical experts and practitioners alike, may lie in a smoker’s ability and willingness to transition to vaping. For someone who has spent a lifetime smoking and is curious about the move to e-cigarettes, it’s understandable that they may have some questions about just how safe vaping can be.
Q. What are Electronic Cigarettes and What are They Used For?
Electronic cigarettes are devices that allow smokers to enjoy the act of smoking without the harmful side effects associated with tobacco products. While there is yet to be definitive, long-term research into their promised health benefits, initial studies have hinted that e-cigarettes are upwards of 95% safer than smoking.
So, how do they work? An e-cigarette has three main components: the battery, the heating coil, and the liquid chamber. The battery heats the coil, which in turn vaporizes the e-liquid (which may or may not contain nicotine), creating vapor.
Q. I’ve Read That Electronic Cigarettes Can Explode. Is This True?
Yes and no. E-cigarettes, like any electronic device can, under the right circumstances explode but the risk is so low that it might as well be non-existent. That being said, there are a number of ways that you can ensure that your vaping device does not go boom:
- Use the correct battery for the device you purchased
- Avoid needless tampering/modification of your e-cigarette
- Do not store the e-cigarette’s lithium ion battery where it can come into contact with conductive metals such as coins or keys
- Use appropriate chargers to charge your battery. Using a non-recognized charger increases the chances that you will overcharge the battery
- Avoid cheap imitation products. It may be tempting to save a few bucks, but if the price of the unit is substantially cheaper than the others you’ve been considering, chances are it is made using inferior materials
Additionally, it’s important to remember that not all e-cigarettes are created equal. Depending on what part of the world the product is manufactured in, the manufacturing safety standards may be less than what they are where you live. If you lack the knowledge on which are the most reputable brands, consult the product experts at your local vape shop; they have the knowledge and experience to recommend a safe and reliable vaping device.
Q. Why Should I Seek Out Advice From the Experts? Why Can’t I Just Buy One Online?
If you are unfamiliar with a product’s performance and can’t qualify the country of origin’s safety standards, it isn’t advisable to purchase products overseas. There are a number of reasons as to why you can’t find a model you see online in your local vape shop; but it may be because it did not meet a certain safety standard that is expected from all imported electronic devices.
For this reason alone it pays to speak to a trusted sales representative. They can answer all the questions pertaining to product safety you may have, and if they are a reputable vape shop, you can rest assured that they only carry the highest rated devices.
Q. Where Can I Buy Electronic Cigarettes?
There was a time when vape shops could only be found in large metropolitan areas. Thanks to the exponential growth of the industry however, vape shops can be found across the country, including in much smaller towns. Of course, you can also purchase them online, but be sure to make your purchases from a business that operates in North America, as both Canada and the United States share very similar safety standards.
As you can see, there isn’t much to it when it comes to vaping safely. A little research and a little bit of expert guidance goes a long way. If however, you continue to have trepidation over the use of electronic cigarettes, you are certainly welcome to draw your own conclusions. There is an abundance of information on the subject online and there are more studies being conducted all the time.
Kidal Delonix is a contributor to Mr. Hoffman's blog. The views and opinions are entirely his/her own and may not reflect Mr Hoffman's views.
