Why Are Anti Vaping Ads So Bad?

We are bombarded by Ads every single day. We are so used to this and tend to ignore it gradually. PSAs, which are intended to inform or influence the public for social good rather than to sell a product, lose our attention too. However, I just noticed several PSAs by the name of The Real Cost that try to deal with youth vaping problems. Despite the righteous purpose, these ant-vaping Ads are so bad. They not only lose the attention of young people, no matter how charming the data on social media is (because it is before almost every YouTube video), but also discourage adults from quitting smoking with another method. I'd like to talk about the lies these Ads tell, how ridiculous some of them are, and why anti-vaping ads are so bad.

1. Who Made Anti-vaping Ads?

Let's take "The Real Cost" as an example. This series of short videos is produced by the FDA, and it is award-winning to some extent. It is also worth noting that the FDA licenses several e-cigarettes produced by Big Tobacco and upholds thousands of applications at the same time. According to the T21 Law, it is unlawful for any retailer to sell a tobacco product to any person younger than 21 years of age. This law applies to liquid nicotine and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), too. Preventing underage vaping is urgent and a must, but how do they struggle to make it happen? We do know the cost of smoking or vaping as adults, but do they try to sell their opinions at any cost?

2. The Worst Anti-vape Slogans

Although suggestions are even made by the NHS about using e-cigarettes to stop smoking, some people still believe that vaping is worse than smoking and thus use rumors to exaggerate the harm of e-cigarettes. Maybe FDA officials are too indulged in the Boy Who Cried Wolf; they also managed to produce these The Real Cost Ads and tried to scare the underage out of vaping with lies and fictions. For instance, the latest The Real Cost episode is about formaldehyde in vapes.

3. Do Vapes Contain Formaldehyde?

The Ad is pretty simple. One wolf asks, "Did you know kids are vaping the same toxic chemical that's used in taxidermy? You could be vaping formaldehyde!" and then other animals repeat "formaldehyde" more than 10 times. This anti-vaping propaganda is almost as old as vaping itself. Some ads simplify the risks, which can be misleading if not properly contextualized for teen and adult audiences. Here is the truth:

Formaldehyde is not added to vapes; it’s a chemical byproduct that only forms when the e-liquid ingredients are heated, especially at high temperatures or if the liquid overheats. Former studies and research chose extremely high temperatures to burn the coil, which can surely produce formaldehyde to prove their point, but not suitable for any conscious vaper to take a sip. In 2018, an overview paper by Farsalinos & Gillman noted that dry puffs (burnt coils) should be avoided under laboratory conditions. Otherwise, the findings could be misleading and misinformative. In short, underage people should not vape, but for adults who want to quit? Vaping exposes you to less formaldehyde than smoking.

4. Diacetyl in Vapes?

Although not mentioned by The Real Cost videos, diacetyl in vapes is also a popular urban legend about vaping. Diacetyl was used to add a buttery or creamy flavor to microwave popcorn and vape juice. However, diacetyl was banned in 2018 by the FDA, and most reliable vape brands don't use it anymore.

Do Geek Bars have diacetyl? Clearly, the authentic Geek Bars, such as the latest Geek Bar Mate 60K, contain no diacetyl.

5. Why Are Youth Vaping Prevention Ads So Bad?

Prevention of youth vaping is necessary and a must. Any responsible e-cigarette online shops should set an age checker and sell no vapes to minors. However, the black market exists and grows because most of the vapes remain illegal and cannot get PMTA. As long as most vapes are "illegal", they do not need to care how old the customer is.

On the other hand, vaping prevention Ads are created by people who either know little about e-cigarettes or teenagers. They use outdated data to prove their opinions and force the stereotype of vapes into young minds. We all know that if you don't smoke, don't vape either. But if they unfortunately pick up the habit of smoking? Vaping is not harmless, but the exaggeration of its harm does help prevent youth vaping. Anti-vaping Ads are not ill-intentioned but of low quality compared to other PSAs, such as the old-school anti-smoking campaigns.

6. Best Smoke Alternative to Quit Smoking

For adult smokers, e-cigarettes are a good alternative to cigarettes. You can also try smokeless products, which are more discreet and easy to use, such as nicotine pouches.

7. Conclusion

Youth vaping prevention is as important as teaching adult smokers to quit with a reliable method. Demonizing and stigmatizing e-cigarettes doesn't help either. Adults have the right to vape and the responsibility to stop underage people from getting addicted to nicotine. That's all for this week and I'll see you next time, hopefully.