FAQ: Vaping vs. Smoking — What You Need to Know

  1. Is vaping less harmful than smoking?
    Yes—though not risk-free.
    The NHS states: “Nicotine vaping is not risk-free, but it is less harmful than smoking. In the short- and medium-term, vaping poses only a small fraction of the risks of smoking.” (NHS)
    The NHS Smokefree Taskforce also concludes that “switching from tobacco to vaping will substantially reduce the risks to health.” (NHS Taskforce)

  2. If I switch completely to vaping, could I reduce my health risks?
    Yes. Vaping eliminates combustion—the main source of tar, carbon monoxide, and many carcinogens. Research shows this leads to much lower exposure to harmful chemicals. (NIH Review)

  3. What do experts like Dr. Farsalinos say?

    • On flavors helping smokers quit: “Flavours create a pleasant experience for smokers, which encourages them to switch to vaping … and help prevent relapsing to cigarette smoking.” — Dr. Konstantinos Farsalinos (Tobacco Harm Reduction)

    • On stigma against vapers: “Millions of us who quit smoking with safer alternatives are now being told we’re wrong... instead of tobacco companies being the villains, it’s us… we are cast as the threats.” — Dr. Farsalinos (Drink & Drugs News)

  4. What does the FDA say about vaping?
    The FDA states: “E-cigarettes may benefit adults who smoke if used as a complete substitute for regular cigarettes. But no tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, are safe.” (FDA)

  5. What about “dual use” (vaping and smoking)?
    Dual use provides little or no health benefit. The NHS stresses that complete switching is needed for meaningful harm reduction. (NHS Taskforce)

  6. Can people with COPD or other conditions benefit?
    Yes—early clinical studies suggest that smokers with COPD who switch completely to vaping report fewer flare-ups and better lung function over time, though longer-term studies are needed. (ResearchGate Study Protocol)

  7. What are the remaining caveats?

    • Long-term risks unknown: We lack 10–20 year data on vaping’s effect on cancer, heart disease, and overall mortality. The healthiest option is to quit nicotine entirely.

    • Youth protection: In the U.S., vaping products cannot legally be sold to anyone under 21. The FDA enforces Tobacco 21 across all states. (FDA Press Release, FDA Rule PDF)

  8. Does vaping cause “popcorn lung”?
    No. This is a persistent myth.

    • Popcorn lung (bronchiolitis obliterans) was caused by very high diacetyl exposure in popcorn factory workers.

    • The NHS confirms: “There have been no confirmed cases of popcorn lung reported in people who use e-cigarettes.” (NHS)

    • The FDA notes that while some early vape liquids contained diacetyl, today’s regulated products usually do not, and even then, cigarette smoke contains far more diacetyl than vapes—yet smoking has never been proven to cause popcorn lung. (FDA – Vape Myths)

✅ Bottom line: Popcorn lung is not caused by vaping.