6 Common Questions About E-cigarettes Answered

1. Is nicotine dangerous? Nicotine doesn't cause smoking-related diseases, such as cancer and heart disease, but it is addictive. However, there's a common misconception that you can overdose on nicotine using e-cigarettes. But you are in no danger of poisoning yourself, nor have there been any cases of overdose from inhaling the nicotine-containing fluid that an E-Cigarette vapers, known as E-Liquid. So you can use your e-cigarette as often as you need to help manage nicotine withdrawal and urges to smoke. Much the same as with Nicotine Replacement Therapy, if you do have more nicotine than you're used to, then you might feel a little nauseous or lightheaded, both of which pass quickly. If this happens, just reduce the level of nicotine in the e-liquid that you buy, or use the e-cigarette less.

2. Is it OK to smoke and vape at the same time?

There's no evidence that smoking cigarettes and vaping at the same time is any worse than just smoking tobacco. However the greatest health benefits are seen when people stop smoking tobacco completely, so quitting smoking should be the goal. Some people manage to switch completely to vaping quickly, while others take a little time. You may have to try several different e-cigarettes and e-liquids before you find one that helps you to stop smoking completely, but this is quite normal.

3. Which E-Cigarette should I start with?

This is very much a personal choice. The refillable tank system e-cigarettes might take a bit of getting used to, but they allow you to use more flavours and generally deliver more nicotine than e-cigarettes that look like tobacco cigarettes. Users tend to say these types are more satisfying. Specialist e-cigarette retailers can give you advice, and you can also chat to other e-cigarette users on a range of internet forums. But we do suggest starting with Eleaf iStick Pico 25 with ELLO Full Kit, Smok Alien Baby-AL85 Kit or Aspire Zelos 50W Kit. Those are very good for starters. How much nicotine you need will depend upon how much nicotine you're used to getting from your cigarettes. And, of course, how much nicotine you get from your e-liquid will depend upon the type of e-cigarette that you use and how you use it. As a rough guide, most 20-a-day smokers find that 18mg/ml (1.8 per cent) nicotine is sufficient, so you could start with this and see how you get on.

4. Are E-Cigarettes safer than smoking?

Yes. Experts think that e-cigarettes are, based on what we know so far, much safer than cigarettes. Smoking is associated with some very serious health risks to both the smoker and to others around them. So switching from tobacco to e-cigarettes substantially reduces a major health risk.

5. Can I use an E-Cigarette in the Stop Smoking ?

Yes. If you choose to use an e-cigarette, Stop Smoking Services can still support you in your quit attempt, and these services the most effective way to quit. Their trained stop smoking practitioners provide behavioural support, advice on what might be the best way for you to stop and access to approved stop-smoking medications.

6. Can I use E-Cigarettes in places where I can't smoke?

No laws are preventing or restricting where you can use e-cigarettes. Some places, such as some sports stadiums and most airports, do not allow vaping while others do. If there are no signs indicating this then you should always ask. But it helps to be respectful when using e-cigarettes around others, especially non-smokers.