Vapes or Cigarettes? Risk vs. Reward

Harley Woods | September 8, 2022


Tobacco is a plant native to the Americas that has long been used by Indigenous tribes for smoking and medicinal purposes. After Spanish and European colonizers observed these uses, tobacco smoking was introduced to Europe and popularized among white cultures.  

Centuries later, the U.S. Surgeon General of 1964 conducted a study that definitively linked smoking tobacco to lung cancer. Another forty years passed before tobacco companies were sued for lying to the American public in their advertisements. 

A new method of tobacco consumption was patented and commercialized in 2003 by Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik, called the e-cigarette. It wasn’t until 2006, however, that e-cigarettes were introduced to the European and U.S. markets for public consumption. 

Although e-cigarettes were introduced as a method to aid smokers in their process of quitting, the Turkish Health Ministry as well as the WHO declared only two years after production that they were equally as harmful as normal cigarettes. 

Since 2008, countries have increased restrictions on and banned the sale of e-cigarettes and vapes. On Jun. 23, 2022 the FDA banned Juul products

A contributing factor to the ban of these products comes from Juul’s marketing strategies. One article states that in 2018, the FTC and the FDA jointly warned vaping distributors against marketing their products “indistinguishably from actual children’s products like juice boxes and candy.” 

Rates of teen vaping have increased in recent years. In conjunction with these statistics, hospitalization due to vaping rises. 

National Public Radio (NPR) cites Milwaukee, WI as the origin of the CDC’s investigation into teen hospitalization with a commonality of vaping. The article states, “eight previously healthy teenagers were hospitalized with severe lung damage. The rapid onset of symptoms included coughing, weight loss and significant breathing difficulties.” 

One intensive care unit (ICU) patient was admitted with only a 10% blood oxygen level after experiencing difficulty breathing and struggling to speak. 

This is also noted in a quote from a Medical News Today article: “nicotine-containing e-cigarettes may have a higher addiction potential than standard cigarettes among young adults.” 

While both forms of inhalation introduce harmful chemicals to the body, tobacco products are widely acknowledged to be more dangerous. 

One must discern for themself which is less of a risk. If a person is less likely to smoke if they must go outdoors, wash their hands and deal with tangible consequences, then it might be a better option to use cigarettes. However, if a person is less likely to use these products through a vape or other e-cigarette, then they should use said product. 

Addiction is a serious struggle. Anyone who is experiencing difficulty and seeking treatment should access any and all resources available. 


Make an appointment with the WWC counseling center. Visit this website for tips on how to select a treatment method.

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