The ongoing debate surrounding smoking and vaping has intensified, with many considering vaping to be a less harmful alternative. Recently, YouTuber Chris Notap conducted an eye-opening experiment that visually compares the effects of smoking cigarettes to vaping over the span of a month.
A Visual Experiment
In his experiment, Notap utilized a clear glass dome filled with cotton balls to simulate the human lungs. This setup allowed for a direct comparison of the residues left behind by both smoking and vaping. The results were striking; the cigarette side of the dome was covered in a brown, tar-like residue, while the vaping side exhibited only a white cloud with minimal condensation.
Despite the cleaner appearance of vaping, Notap issued a crucial warning: “Vaping should only be used as a tool to wean yourself off nicotine altogether because ‘anything you put in your lungs is bad for you’,” he stated, emphasizing that vaping is not suitable for children.
Short-Term and Long-Term Health Effects
The differences between smoking and vaping extend beyond visual residues to their impacts on health. Dr. Vibhu Kawatra, a pulmonologist and allergy specialist, explains that both methods have significant effects on the respiratory system, although the nature and extent of these impacts vary.
Dr. Shivakumar K, an MD specializing in respiratory medicine, elaborated on the health effects of both practices:
Short-Term Effects
Cigarette Smoking:
- Increased mucus production
- Shortness of breath during exertion
- Wheezing due to constricted airways
- Frequent coughing as the body tries to eliminate irritants
Vaping:
- Throat and mouth irritation
- Dry cough
- Shortness of breath, albeit generally less severe than smoking
Long-Term Effects
Cigarette Smoking:
- Leading cause of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Primary risk factor for lung cancer
- Progressive decline in lung function and capacity
- Chronic bronchitis with persistent coughing and mucus production
Vaping:
- Chronic use may result in lung inflammation and impaired immune response
- Potential development of EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury)
- Risks of nicotine addiction leading to cardiovascular and neurological issues
While vaping appears to present fewer long-term risks than smoking, the full extent of its effects remains under investigation.
Limitations of the Experiment
Dr. Shivakumar notes that while Notap’s experiment effectively highlights the differences in residue accumulation, it has its limitations. The visual focus on physical residues does not fully capture the biochemical and physiological effects of smoking and vaping. He cautions that although vaping does not produce tar, it still involves inhaling aerosols containing various chemicals and fine particles that can lead to lung inflammation and other health concerns over time.
Vaping as a Harm Reduction Tool
While vaping is often viewed as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, it is essential to acknowledge its risks. Dr. Kawatra points out that vaping may be beneficial for smokers looking to quit or reduce harm but should be approached with caution, especially by non-smokers and youth.
Dr. Shivakumar adds that research has shown e-cigarettes can be more effective than conventional nicotine replacement therapies for quitting smoking. However, he emphasizes that e-cigarettes should serve only as a transitional aid rather than a long-term solution.
For those seeking to quit, a combination of strategies—including medical support and approved cessation aids—may offer the best chance of success.
As the debate between smoking and vaping continues, it is crucial to weigh the potential benefits and risks of each method. While vaping might appear to be the lesser evil, understanding its long-term effects is vital for making informed choices about respiratory health.