Is Vaping Classed as Smoking?

Adults smokers who are considering switching from smoking cigarettes to better alternatives may wonder, does vaping count as smoking?

While vaping is certainly a better choice than continuing to smoke, vape products in the UK cannot be marketed as smoking cessation products unless they’re authorised by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Vapes are not risk-free and typically provide nicotine, which is addictive. 

Adult smokers may be unsure about the differences between smoking and vaping and whether the same smoking rules and restrictions apply to reduced risk alternatives such as vaping and heated tobacco. Read below to find out more.

Vaping vs Smoking

There are a few differences between vaping and smoking which we will explore for adult smokers who may be questioning, is vaping smoking?

Cigarettes require the process of combustion for smoke to be produced. When it comes to smoking cigarettes, combustion arguably poses the greatest risk to an adult smoker’s health  as it produces harmful chemicals and substances. 

On the other hand, vapes don’t rely on combustion, as they heat e-liquid to create vapour.  By heating an e-liquid instead of relying on burning tobacco, vapes may present adult smokers with a better alternative to continued cigarette smoking. 

However, it is worth noting that vapes are not risk-free and often provide nicotine, which is addictive. The best decision any adult smoker can make is to quit tobacco and nicotine use altogether. 

The absence of combustion is not the only potential difference when considering the question, is vaping classed as smoking? 

Unlike cigarettes, vapes may offer more variety. There are different device types such as mod vapes, pod systems and vape pens, and different batteries and coil types that make a vape unique. 

Read our guide on switching from smoking cigarettes to vaping to find out more information about the benefits.

Do smoking laws and restrictions apply to vaping?

Smoking laws and restrictions do not officially apply to e-cigarettes or heated tobacco in the UK. For example, the May 2020 Menthol Ban did not apply to vapes or heated tobacco. 

It should be noted, however, there can still be restrictions in place. For instance, although the smoking ban of 2007 did not affect e-cigarettes or heated tobacco, many indoor public places still restrict vaping for the comfort of others.

What are the differences between vapes, heated tobacco and cigarettes?

Vape Puffs vs Cigarette Puffs

When looking at how many puffs of a vape is equal to a cigarette, the answer varies depending on the manufacturer and specific product. 

Generally, one cigarette stick may provide, on average, 10 puffs. However, the number of puffs a cigarette provides typically varies depending on factors beyond the product and manufacturer. For instance, the adult smoker’s puffing pattern.  

As for vapes, different vape models may have different durations. Let’s explore how many puffs different models may provide.

Duration of a disposable vape:

While disposable vapes may last for hundreds of puffs, each vape is different. The device typically needs to be discarded when the battery runs out in a disposable vape. We recommend checking the manufacturer's guidance for accurate information on how long your device is likely to last. 

Duration of a rechargeable vape:  

On the other hand, rechargeable vapes may provide thousands or tens of thousands of puffs. However, this will depend on the battery power, tank size and the adult user’s puffing pattern. 

Usually, rechargeable vapes do not need to be discarded when the battery or e-liquid runs out. Their batteries can be recharged, their tanks can be refilled, or depending on the model, their pods can be replaced. 

However, some components in rechargeable vapes may need replacing over time. For instance, some models feature a coil, which is unlikely to last. It usually wears away due to repeated vapourisation. In some devices, such as vape mods, the coil can be replaced. 

A vape battery may also need to be replaced over time. This might help to avoid malfunctions and wider problems with a vape device. The battery life will vary depending on a number of factors, such as the quality of the battery, its size, and the frequency of use. Follow manufacturer guidance for accurate information on the battery and its maintenance.

Number of puffs from e-liquid:

Both the size of a bottle or pod and the composition of e-liquid are generally relevant in determining the number of puffs acquired from an e-liquid. Typically, the bigger the e-liquid bottle or pod, the more puffs the adult user will likely receive.  

As for ingredients, the ratio of PG (Propylene Glycol) and VG (Vegetable Glycerine) found in some e-liquids can be important. This is because the volume of each of these two ingredients could partially determine the thickness and general consistency of an e-liquid.  

This article is for general information and educational purposes. Some of the information in this article is based on external, third-party sources and we make no representations or warranties of any kind regarding the accuracy, validity or completeness of such information.