Vaping

What you need to know:

• Some vaping products contain nicotine and some have high levels even if they say ‘nicotine-free’
  
  
• Vaping is 95% less harmful than smoking for adults who already smoke, which is why it’s good way to quit tobacco
  
  
• Vaping isn’t entirely risk free and because it has only been around for about 15 years we don’t yet know the long-term effects
  
  
• In the short-term, vaping can lead to nicotine addiction, lung damage and other problems
  
  
• A new bill is being proposed in the Isle of Man to make it illegal for those under 18 to vape because it isn’t safe for young people  who aren’t everyday smokers
  
  
• Vaping isn’t allowed on public transport because we don’t yet know if it causes harm to other people

A vaping product is a handheld battery-powered device that heat an e-liquid to produce an aerosol, commonly referred to as vapour—hence the term “vaping.” These products are also known as e-cigarettes. Vapes don't create smoke—because they don't burn tobacco. Most e-liquids contain nicotine although there are some that don’t.

Vapes heat a liquid until it becomes a vapour, which is then inhaled. The liquid (e-liquid or “vape juice”) can contain a variety of chemicals.as they are a relatively new product, they haven’t been used long enough yet for any research to be completed on the effects of long term use.

The harmful effects of smoking are well documented and we know that vaping is less harmful than tobacco to adult established smokers. Tobacco is so unhealthy that vapes are ‘better’ for them. Smokers can find swapping from tobacco smoking to vaping quite easy and then most quit altogether.

As vapes are a relatively new product, they haven’t been used long enough yet for any research to be completed on the effects of long term use.

You may hear lots of words associated with vapes. Some of the more common terms may help you to understand better when researching or hearing about vaping.

Base Liquid: Basic e-liquid made from vegetable glycerine and propylene glycol.

E-Juice: E-liquid, also known simply as 'Juice', 'Smoke Juice', and 'Liquid'.

E-Liquid: The liquid vapourised in a vaping device.

E-Smoking: General term for vaping.

Cartridge: The cartridge holds the e-liquid.

JUUL: An e-Cigarette manufacturer in the US whose products were banned from sale in 2022 because of lawsuits saying that JUUL products caused lung damage and could explode or catch fire. However, the ban has been put on hold so products are currently still available in the US and UK.

Menthol: A fresh-tasting e-liquid flavour, derived from peppermint.

Nicotine: A pesticide created by the tobacco plant, but also made synthetically in labs and added to some e-liquids. 

PG: Propylene Glycol. PG is a common ingredient in many of today's e-liquids.

Puff Bar: a disposable e-cigarette. These can have sale names like Elf Bar, Lost Mary, Flux and Crystal Bar

You’ve heard that vaping is toxic but what are the actual ingredients?

A typical e-liquid contains Propylene Glycol, Vegetable Glycerin, Flavouring and nicotine. However, studies have shown that in some vapes, other chemicals are produced when these ingredients are mixed together and during the vaporisation process. In one study, as many as 113 chemicals were identified in 5 brands of liquid and in another study, there were 60 – 70 chemical compounds identified in each liquid.

Propylene Glycol is a synthetic food additive used in many cosmetic, hygiene and food products to help preserve them. Propylene Glycol is not toxic if ingested in small amounts, but it can be harmful to those who already have a health condition such as kidney or liver disease as they will not be able to process it as easily.

Vegetable Glycerine is a variant of glycerine, a sugar alcohol, derived from plant oils, including palm, soy and coconut oils. It is used in cosmetics, medicines and food. Vegetable Glycerine is generally safe but can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and excessive thirst in some people. Consuming too much can also lead to embarrassing wind problems and diarrhoea.

Flavouring is another food additive used to make foods taste different. Most flavourings are harmless but when paired with other ingredients in vapes, they could form a compound which is hazardous. Some flavourings contain diacetyl, a chemical linked to a serious lung disease.

Nicotine is a stimulant found in tobacco and most vaping products. Nicotine is an addictive substance which can be hard to stop using once you’ve started. Nicotine is a toxin and poisoning can happen if larger doses are taken. 

We don’t yet know the long-term health effect of vaping, however we do know that in the short-term, young people who vape could face the following side effects:

• Nicotine addiction: Vapes are likely to contain nicotine a highly addictive drug found in tobacco products such as cigarettes. Addiction to nicotine is known to be caused even when the person doesn’t vape regularly.
• Depression and anxiety; Nicotine use has been linked with anxiety and depression. Nicotine and other chemicals found in vapes are known to effect young people’s memory, concentration, self-control, and attention. This is because while your body is developing, nicotine interferes with brain development and can cause permanent alternative brain development function.
• Impotence: There is some evidence that vaping can cause sexual dysfunction in men, impotence can start in young men.
• Sleep problems
• Exposure to cancer-causing chemicals
• Chronic bronchitis
• Lung damage that can be life-threatening

“Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences. ^† It is considered a brain disorder, because it involves functional changes to brain circuits involved in reward, stress, and self-control.”

Very strong cravings for nicotine. It can also lead to:

• Headaches
• Feeling tired, cranky, angry, or depressed
• Trouble concentrating
• Trouble sleeping
• Hunger
• Restlessness

The signs of withdrawal are strongest in the first few days after stopping. They get better over the following days and weeks.

Call your doctor right away if you vape and have:

• Coughing, shortness of breath, or chest pain
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea
• Tredness, fever, or weight loss 

Single-use vapes can be harmful to the environment. Approximately 1.3 million disposable vapes are thrown away every week in the UK.

Single-use vapes contain batteries and difficult to recycle plastics. These break down in landfills causing dangerous chemicals to pollute the soil and water.

Find out more about vape products and their impact on the environment here https://greenerideal.com/news/vaping-liquid-nicotine-can-kill-the-environment/

In the UK, it is illegal to sell vaping products to under 18s, but on the Isle of Man, we currently have no laws on vaping.

What we know:

UK evidence shows that vaping in young people is growing, with 15.8% of 11–17-year-olds having tried vaping in 2022, a significant increase compared to 3.8% in 2013. While there is no specific data for the Isle of Man, the assumption is that vaping in young people in the Island is also on the rise.

There has been an increase reported locally of issues in schools and instances of petty theft from shops, which suggests a rise in the use of vaping products among young people in the Island. There are also Public Health concerns as to the potential long-term health risks of vaping for our young people.

Due to these known harms the UK have created law that stops children vaping. A new similar law is being created here on the Isle of Man to make the sale or supply of vaping products and vaping devices to persons under 18 years of age illegal, this includes;

• Vaping if you are under 18 years old
• Buying or ordering vapes online if you are under 18 years old
• Buying a vape for someone else who is under 18
• Giving a vape to someone under 18
• Coercing someone under 18 into buying or giving vapes to others

This also means;

• To ban advertising and display of vaping products and devices in shops
• To make it illegal to sell vaping products to adults that don’t meet the same standard as in the UK. As time goes on there will be further research and so this law will also allow the Island to be able to ban products should the evidence support it.

The Vaping Products Bill 2023 has been put forward to reduce use of vaping devices and products amongst young people to protect their health and wellbeing.. It will also bring Isle of Man consumer safety standards in line with the UK, making it better for adults who use vaping products.

Before laws are created the government asks the population for their thoughts on the issue. This is called a public consultation and they are available on the Isle of Man government website. All residents are invited to express their opinions. Within the vaping legislation consultation there were 3 people under the age of 18 who filled in the form. Following a public consultation earlier this year, the Vaping Products Bill 2023 entered the House of Keys for a first reading and second reading on Tuesday 13 June 2023

A summary of the responses that Public Health received to the consultation can be seen here; https://consult.gov.im/cabinet-office/consultation-on-the-vapour-products-bill-2023/

Don’t start to vape if you haven’t yet. Vaping is meant to be a tool for people to quit smoking and it is not advised to take up vaping if you aren’t a smoker. Also if you are under 18 years old your body is still developing and it isn’t safe to introduce chemicals to the undeveloped adult body

If you vape, now might be a good time to look for options to quit. Here are some things you can do:

• Make an appointment with your GP – this will be confidential and your doctor can give you advice on how to quit
  
  
• Do some research online – there are a lot of great places to look for information and contacts you can turn to for support. Here are a few:
  • Talk to Frank – Honest information about drugs
  • Want to quit vaping – Tips for success
  • Quit vape – All you need to know about quitting, for teenagers
    
    
• Distract yourself – By taking on another activity, you may be able to suppress your craving. Some things you can do are:
  • Chew sugar-free gum or drink water.
  • Text, call, or meet with a friend who will support you.
  • Listen to your favourite playlist.
  • Go for a walk or jog.
  • Try yoga or meditation.
  • Take 10 deep breaths.
  • Keep your hands busy with a hobby, like drawing or making jewellery.
  • Go somewhere where smoking/vaping isn't allowed.
  • Spend time with people you know do not vape.

Want to know more? You can email us to ask any question you like about vaping. We’ll publish the answer here if appropriate.

Email us

References

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/vape-flavors-and-vape-juice-what-you-need-to-know

https://nexeem.com/vape-juice-ingredients-what-is-in-your-e-liquid/

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/vaping

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/propylene-glycol

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vegetable-glycerin

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507184/

https://ash.org.uk/resources/view/ash-brief-for-local-authorities-on-youth-vaping