Vaping or smoking: which is worse for your lungs?
Vaping poses fewer health risks compared to smoking. If a person has difficulty quitting smoking abruptly, switching to a nicotine vaping product would reduce "drastically reduce your exposure to these toxins until you are ready to quit nicotine completely," explains Tracy Smith, Ph.D., associate professor at the Hollings Cancer Center at the Medical University of South Carolina.
However, that doesn't mean it's safe. Cigarette smokers are about 25 times more likely to develop lung cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Vaping has also been linked to chronic lung disease and asthma, according to a 2020 study from Johns Hopkins Medicine. Experts also point out that since vaping is a relatively new concept, there’s still a lot to learn.
« “We don’t yet know all the effects associated with long-term use,” says Dr. Ellison-Barnes. “Also, because vaping products aren’t well regulated, we don’t always know which ingredients may cause health problems.” »
How long does nicotine stay in your system?
It depends on several factors, including genetics and the amount ingested, but nicotine typically stays in your system for 80 to 100 hours, or about three to four days, according to Benjamin Toll, Ph.D., co-director of the Lung Cancer Screening Program at the Medical University of South Carolina and director of the MUSC Health Tobacco Treatment Program.
« There is no way to speed up its elimination from your system. » says Toll.
Impact of nicotine on heart health
In addition to the effects on lung health, research has shown that nicotine, found in both traditional and e-cigarettes, increases blood pressure, heart rate and, as a result, the risk of heart attack. Cigarette smokers are two to four times more likely to develop coronary heart disease and stroke, according to the CDC.
« There is some short-term data showing that people who switch completely from traditional cigarettes to vaping have better lung function, but we expect the greatest improvements with complete cessation » Smith says.
