The e-cigarette was first introduced to our society in 2007 and advertised as a replacement product for traditional cigarettes. E-cigarettes, also known as “vapes”, these simulate the feeling of smoking, while the deadly toxins and chemicals found in traditional cigarettes are absent. Vaping has become increasingly popular throughout the last ten years, especially among young adult smokers and teenagers. According to data by Wells Fargo and Agora Financial, this year’s sales could reach $10 billion worldwide, a far cry from the mere $20 million in 2008.

Vaping has also become a serious epidemic among teenagers. Teenage use has increased 900% since 2011 and is still skyrocketing as said by CNN’s Roni Selig in his article on the bad habit among high schoolers. Companies producing e-cigarettes such as JUUL, Major League Vapers (MLV), and BLU aim their products at adults who are simply trying to kick the habit of smoking. At the same time, they produce flavors such as cotton candy, and sour gummy worm, which causes critics to accuse these corporations of making vaping appealing to children and teenagers. This leads to the driving question: Is vaping a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes? In my opinion, vaping is without a doubt a safer alternative. If used by the right people and, in a safe manner, cigarette smokers switching to e-cigarettes over a 10-year period could prevent millions of premature deaths.

Using e-cigarettes are safer than smoking cigarettes, as cigarettes include the combustion of tobacco, which contains thousands of chemicals, over 20 of which have a strong connection to cancer. A few of these cancer-causing chemicals found in cigarettes consist of lead, arsenic, benzene, and carbon monoxide. In contrast to cigarettes, e-cigarettes or “vaping” eliminates the need to combust anything,  removing a handful of the harmful chemicals present in smoking cigarettes. A few chemicals in vaping consist of vegetable glycerin, nicotine, and acetaldehyde. Many of the chemicals found in e-cigarettes are found to be food grade and so are typically deemed safe to consume. Research has proven that vaping is 95% less harmful than smoking while delivering similar satisfaction as smoking according to the Public Health of England. Switching cigarette smokers to e-cigarettes, over a 10-year period, could speed up the progress of tobacco control policies in the United States, preventing millions of premature deaths, and saving millions of life years, according to a new report by the center for disease control and prevention.

Vaping is a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes, however, it is not advised for anyone who is not currently in the habit of smoking cigarettes. Companies should also discontinue flavors that appeal to young adults not already smoking, as well as ensure buyers are of age.  With these concerns handled, e-cigarettes can be used, in a safe manner, as an alternative to smoking, its usage can help reduce millions of deaths related to lung cancer for years to come. Therefore Vaping should be legal and provided to those of age who can benefit from it.