Secondhand Smoke vs. Secondhand Vape: What the Science Says
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill making its way to approval could give the Government “the power to make any smokefree space vape-free.” But how similar are cigarette smoke and vape aerosol? Here is what the science says.
Key Takeaways
- Vape clouds don’t contain the same toxins as cigarette smoke.
- Vapes do not expose bystanders to “sidestream smoke”.
- New laws might lead to more restrictions on where you can vape in the UK.
What Is in a Vape Cloud?
Vape products don’t burn tobacco, so they don’t release smoke...and that’s a good thing.
Cigarette smoke contains thousands of chemicals created during burning, including dozens known to cause cancer.
Vapes work differently: they heat a liquid to make an aerosol. That aerosol contains nicotine and other ingredients from the e-liquid (e.g., propylene glycol and glycerine).
What Does Cigarette Smoke Look Like in Comparison?
One study comparing the two found:
- Cigarette smoke released 10× more nicotine into the air than e-cigarettes.
- Cigarette smoke produced 7× more fine particles — the stuff that irritates the lungs and gets deep into your airways.
- Cigarettes also released carbon monoxide and multiple chemical vapours.
- E-cigarettes released nicotine and tiny particles, but not the toxic combustion chemicals you get from burning tobacco.
Why Vape Exposure Varies So Much
Secondhand vape exposure also depends on the surrounding environment.
Researchers found huge differences depending on:
- Room size (a small bedroom vs. a large living room)
- Ventilation (open windows vs. sealed office)
- How long and how often the person vapes
- Type of device or liquid
Think of it this way: Vaping around others in a big, airy park is very different from vaping in a small car with the windows up.
Final Thoughts
According to the NHS:
“There’s no evidence so far that vaping causes harm to other people around you. This is in contrast to passive smoking (secondhand smoke), which is known to be very harmful to health.”
In the end, it all comes down to keeping our shared air as comfortable as possible.
Cigarettes fill the air with lots of harmful stuff, while vapes create far less, but some people are sensitive to strong smells or lingering clouds.
Since everyone’s comfort levels and health needs are different, a simple step like choosing to vape outside is always considerate.
