When you were growing up, you probably frequently heard your parents say, “Do you believe everything that you hear?” This question can be applied to almost anything, including electronic cigarettes and vaping. Don’t just go on what someone tells you (including us!), but rather check out the facts for yourself. Below are some common myths regarding electronic cigarettes, along with the facts that can help you squash the rumors you may hear as you enjoy your electronic cigarette journey. All of the information provided has been gathered by doing a simple internet search that you can (and should) do on your own. MYTH 1: ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES LEAD TO SMOKING Fact: One recent study found that fewer than one in 300 vapors who have never smoked, started after they started using e cigs. In fact, many traditional smokers choose the electronic way as an alternative to traditional analogue cigarettes. MYTH 2: THERE IS NO PROOF THAT E CIGS HAVE HELPED PEOPLE QUIT SMOKING Fact: There is a ton of evidence showing that many people have made a wise choice to consider electronic cigarettes as an alternative to traditional smoking. For instance, results published in The American Journal of Preventative Medicine showed that after 6 months, 31% of e cig users did not go back to smoking traditional cigarettes. MYTH 3: VAPOR IS JUST AS DANGEROUS AS TRADITIONAL CIGARETTE SMOKE Fact: There are many carcinogens in traditional cigarettes that absolutely do not exist in electronic cigarettes. The “smoke” released from an e cig is actually vapor produced by water. There is also no smell or lingering effects of vapor smoke, unlike smoking. MYTH 4: E CIGS EXPLODE AND CATCH FIRE OFTEN Fact: While it is true that electronic cigarettes can explode and catch fire on a rare occasion, most of these situations occur due to user error. In fact, the US Fire Administration ultimately concluded: “considering the vast number of products in the field that use lithium-ion batteries, however, it is clear that the failure rates are low.” Just to be safe, buying poor quality products or tinkering with batteries and e-liquids should be avoided. As long as you are using your device responsibly and according to the manufacturer’s instructions, you don’t have to worry about your e cig exploding or catching fire. MYTH 5: E CIGS ENCOURAGE TEENAGERS AND KIDS TO BEGIN SMOKING Fact: At VIP, we stand by the belief that one must be of a legal age in order to purchase any type of electronic cigarette. Our packaging and variety of flavors are meant to be attractive to many people. However, our goal is never to attract an underage person. This is also the case with other retailers as only those over the age of 18 are allowed purchase e cigarettes and vaping kits. MYTH 6: E CIGS ARE EVEN MORE ADDICTIVE THAN TRADITIONAL CIGARETTES Fact: While the variety of flavors may make you want to keep trying more, there is no evidence whatsoever that addiction to e cigs is stronger than that of traditional smoking. In fact, some researchers have actually discovered the opposite is true. MYTH 7: NO ONE REALLY KNOWS WHAT IS IN ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES Fact: This belief is only true if you are dealing with a company that is completely un-reputable. Good quality companies will stand by their products and disclose exactly what is in the e cigs that they distribute. MYTH 8: E CIGS DO NOT CONTAIN NICOTINE Fact: There is nicotine in most e cigs. However, you are able to regulate the amount of nicotine concentration that you want. Users who have just switched from traditional cigarettes to electronic may decide to start out with a larger amount of nicotine to help them with the adjustment. The amount of nicotine needed is reduced once you get used of the electronic cigarette. Many individuals even vape within minimal to no nicotine. MYTH 9: ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES CAUSE CANCER Fact: Traditional cigarettes are full of dangerous carcinogens that are known to cause cancer. However, e cigs have never been shown to have any of these carcinogens and there have been no evidence to indicate that they cause cancer. Therefore, vaping is far safer than smoking as they contain far less cancer-causing substances. MYTH 10: E CIGS ARE MADE WITH ANTI-FREEZE Fact: This is a totally false statement. Any company that would like to stay around for more than a few months would never put such a toxic chemical in their product. The liquid used in e cigs contains propylene glycol, which is also found in foods and medications. In anti-freeze, the topic compound is an ingredient called ethylene glycol. Next Steps Now that you’ve heard all the myths out there, what can you do next? Before purchasing an electronic cigarette or vaping kit it is important to ensure the company you are looking to buy from is reputable and of high quality. Don’t buy online if it is your first purchase. It is always better to go to a retailer and speak to a trained member of staff. Speaking to someone trained can help you decide what product is best for you. They can also inform you of the relevant information regarding e cigarettes and smoking.