Which is worse vaping or smoking
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Vaping vs. Smoking: Which is Worse?
Introduction to Vaping and Smoking Health Risks
The debate over whether vaping is a safer alternative to smoking has gained significant attention, especially in light of the ongoing public health concerns. Both practices involve the inhalation of substances that can have detrimental effects on health, but the extent and nature of these effects differ.
Comparative Toxicity: Vaping vs. Smoking
Toxic Substance Exposure
Smoking traditional cigarettes exposes individuals to high levels of toxic substances, including Tobacco-Specific Nitrosamines (TSNAs), which are potent carcinogens. Studies have shown that TSNA levels are significantly lower in individuals who vape compared to those who smoke. For instance, pooled urinary NNAL levels were found to be 79% lower in vapers compared to smokers in randomized controlled trials, and 96% lower in cross-sectional studies. This suggests that vaping reduces exposure to some of the most harmful chemicals found in tobacco smoke.
Relative Harm Assessment
A peer-reviewed evaluation rated the relative harm of vaping as about 5% that of smoking. This has been communicated in public health campaigns with the message that "vaping is 95% safer than smoking". However, it is crucial to note that while vaping is less harmful, it is not without risks.
Health Risks Associated with Vaping
Lung Injury and EVALI
Vaping has been linked to lung injuries, specifically E-cigarette or Vaping product use-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI). This condition has been associated with the presence of vitamin E acetate in the lungs, which can impair lung structure and functionality. Despite these risks, vaping is still considered by some as a safer alternative to smoking, particularly for smoking cessation.
Cardiovascular Risks
The cardiovascular risks associated with vaping are also a concern. Although vaping lacks many of the toxic byproducts of traditional cigarette smoking, it still involves the inhalation of nicotine and other harmful substances. These can have adverse cardiovascular effects, potentially offsetting the perceived benefits of switching from smoking to vaping.
Vaping as a Smoking Cessation Aid
Effectiveness in Smoking Cessation
Vaping has been promoted as an effective method for smoking cessation. Clinical trials have shown that vaping can help smokers quit and is associated with a lower risk of adverse events compared to combustible cigarettes. However, the long-term health effects of vaping remain unknown, necessitating further research.
Conclusion
In summary, while vaping is generally considered less harmful than smoking, it is not without its own set of health risks. Vaping reduces exposure to certain toxic substances found in tobacco smoke and can be an effective smoking cessation aid. However, it is associated with risks such as lung injury and potential cardiovascular effects. Therefore, neither vaping nor smoking can be deemed entirely safe, and the best course of action for health is to avoid both practices altogether.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic