5 Myths About Vaping You Should Stop Believing

Vaping has exploded in popularity over the past decade, with millions of adults worldwide choosing it as an alternative to traditional smoking. Yet, despite its growth, misinformation and half-truths about vaping continue to circulate.

Whether it’s through social media posts, sensational headlines, or word-of-mouth, these myths can cause confusion—and, in some cases, prevent smokers from switching to what many public health organizations consider a less harmful alternative.

Today, we’re separating fact from fiction. Here are five common myths about vaping you should stop believing—backed by research, science, and real-world experience.

Myth 1: “Vaping Is Just as Harmful as Smoking”

One of the most persistent misconceptions is that vaping is no better for you than smoking cigarettes. The reality? Vaping eliminates combustion, which is responsible for producing the tar, carbon monoxide, and thousands of toxic chemicals found in cigarette smoke.

The Facts:

• Public Health England has stated that e-cigarettes are 95% less harmful based on current evidence.

• Cigarettes contain over 7,000 chemicals, many of which are toxic or carcinogenic. Vape liquids generally contain four primary ingredients: propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), flavorings, and nicotine (optional).

• While vaping is not risk-free, removing combustion dramatically reduces exposure to harmful substances.

  
  

When searching for “is vaping safe,” remember that safety is relative. Compared to cigarettes, vaping poses fewer health risks—but it’s still intended for adult smokers, not non-smokers or youth.

Myth 2: “Vape Liquid Contains Antifreeze”

This myth stems from the presence of propylene glycol (PG) in vape juice—a substance that is also used in some antifreeze formulations. The misunderstanding comes from not knowing there are two types of antifreeze: toxic and non-toxic.

The Facts:

• PG is food-grade and is used in everything from toothpaste to salad dressings to asthma inhalers.

• The type of antifreeze harmful to humans contains ethylene glycol, which is not found in vape juice.

• Health Canada and the U.S. FDA both recognize PG and VG as safe for ingestion; ongoing studies focus on long-term inhalation safety.

  
  

Bottom line: PG in your vape isn’t dangerous antifreeze—it’s a common food and medical ingredient.

Myth 3: “All Vape Flavors Are Dangerous”

Some people assume that because vape juices are flavored, the flavorings must be inherently harmful. The truth is more nuanced.

The Facts:

• Most vape flavors are made with food-grade, water-soluble flavorings.

• The safety profile of eating a flavoring is not the same as inhaling it, which is why reputable manufacturers avoid certain additives known to be harmful when inhaled, such as diacetyl.

• Flavors play a key role in helping smokers switch to vaping—many report that finding a flavor they enjoy keeps them from going back to cigarettes.

  
  

If you’re concerned about ingredients, buy from trusted, transparent brands that publish their ingredient lists and follow Health Canada or FDA guidelines.

Myth 4: “Nicotine Causes Cancer”

Nicotine is often blamed for all the health risks of smoking, but nicotine itself is not a carcinogen.

The Facts:

• Nicotine is addictive and can raise heart rate and blood pressure, but it is not the cause of smoking-related cancers.

• The real culprits in smoking-related diseases are the toxic byproducts of combustion—tar, carbon monoxide, and thousands of chemicals produced when tobacco burns.

• Nicotine is also present in FDA-approved smoking cessation products like nicotine gum and patches.

  
  

In vaping, nicotine can be tailored to your needs—available in varying strengths or even nicotine-free options—allowing smokers to step down their intake over time.

Myth 5: “Vaping Is a Gateway to Smoking for Teens”

While youth vaping is a legitimate concern, the claim that vaping inevitably leads to smoking oversimplifies a complex issue.

The Facts:

• Most studies show that the majority of regular vapers are current or former smokers, not individuals who have never smoked.

• The decline in youth smoking rates has continued in many countries even as vaping has become more popular.

• Effective age restrictions, education, and responsible marketing are key to preventing underage use.

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For adult smokers, vaping can be a tool for harm reduction—not a stepping stone to smoking.

The Takeaway: Make Informed Choices

Vaping is not risk-free, but the evidence strongly suggests it’s a less harmful option for adult smokers compared to traditional cigarettes. Misinformation can prevent smokers from making the switch—or cause unnecessary fear among those who have.

When you hear a claim about vaping:

• Check the source—is it based on scientific research or opinion?

• Look for transparency—does the brand or retailer disclose ingredients?

• Consider the context—is the statement about vaping comparing it to smoking, or to total abstinence?