Quitting smoking is one of the best choices you can make for your health. If you’ve thought about quitting, you’re not alone — almost 7 out of 10 smokers say they want to stop.

You might be thinking about trying electronic cigarettes, also called e-cigarettes, vapes, or vape pens, as a way to quit smoking. But are vapes really safer and are vapes a tool that can help someone quite smoking?

Let’s look at some common questions about using e-cigarettes and what we know and don’t know (yet) about vapes as a smoking cessation tool.

Do e-cigarettes have fewer toxic chemicals than traditional cigarettes?

While cigarettes contain over 7,000 harmful chemicals, the exact chemical count in vapes remains unknown. E-liquids typically consist of nicotine, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and flavorings. The specific composition varies by brand, device, and temperature (the heat level of the coil in the vape that turns the liquid into an aerosol known as vapor).

Although vaping might have less chemicals, it’s still not safe. Nicotine in vapes can raise blood pressure, increasing heart attack risks and worsening mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Daily use can also lead to serious, permanent lung damage.

Can vaping help me gradually reduce nicotine and eventually quit?

While some adults use vapes to quit smoking, the American Lung Association advises against simply trading one addiction for another, since most vapes still contain addictive nicotine.

Young man putting nicotine patch on his shoulder, New Year's resolutions, quitting smoking and healthy lifestyle without cigarettes.

Better yet, the FDA has approved several safe medications to help people quit smoking, including nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) like patches and gum, as well as prescription medicines for cravings. For free support, you can also contact a “quit coach” via the Ohio Tobacco Quit Line.

Because of the high nicotine content in many vaping products, there is a significant risk of “dual use”—the simultaneous use of both e-cigarettes and traditional tobacco. Research indicates that dual use can quadruple the risk of lung cancer compared to smoking alone.

If you are considering vaping as a tool to quit smoking, consult your healthcare provider first to develop a comprehensive plan that includes a strategy for eventually tapering off and stopping the use of vape devices as well. Often adults intend to replace cigarettes with vaping but ultimately continue using both, increasing their overall health risks.

If you live in Ohio, you can talk to a quit counselor for free by calling 1-800-QuitNow (1-800-784-8669).

The Bottom Line

  1. Ultimately, the most effective path to a smoke-free life is pairing medical support with NRT.
  2. While some adults use vaping as a temporary bridge to quitting, it is not without risks. Before making the switch, consult your healthcare provider and utilize proven resources like the Ohio Tobacco Quit Line to ensure a safe and successful transition.
  3. Youth should never use vaping devices under any circumstances.

The Medina County Health Department has healthcare providers that can help you with your quit journey. To schedule an appointment, call 330-723-9688, option 1.