For decades, we’ve all known that smoking traditional cigarettes is bad for our health. But in recent years, a new wave of products—like e-cigarettes, vapes, and heated tobacco—have been marketed as ‘safer’ alternatives.
Many Australians, especially those looking to quit or cut down, have turned to these new devices in the hope of reducing harm. But are these alternatives any better for you? Or are we just swapping one health risk for another?
Let’s look at what the latest science says—and why it matters to you and your loved ones.
It’s no secret that smoking rates have dropped in Australia over the past few decades, thanks to public health campaigns, plain packaging, and higher taxes.
However, as traditional cigarette use has declined, new products have filled the gap. E-cigarettes (also known as vapes) and heated tobacco products have become especially popular, not just with adults but with younger people too.
These products are often marketed as being less harmful than regular cigarettes. They come in a dizzying array of flavours, sleek designs, and are sometimes even promoted as tools to help you quit smoking altogether. But is this reputation deserved?
Whether you’re lighting up a cigarette, puffing on a vape, or using a heated tobacco device, the basic process is the same: you’re inhaling a cocktail of chemicals into your lungs.
Traditional cigarettes burn tobacco, releasing smoke that contains over 5,000 chemicals, at least 70 of which are known to cause cancer.
E-cigarettes and heated tobacco products work a bit differently. Vapes heat a liquid (usually containing nicotine, flavourings, and other chemicals) into an aerosol, while heated tobacco devices warm up tobacco without burning it.
But don’t be fooled—these methods still deliver nicotine and a host of other potentially harmful substances straight into your bloodstream.
Nicotine, the addictive substance in all these products, quickly reaches your brain and gives you that familiar ‘hit’ of pleasure.
But this effect is fleeting, and your body soon craves more. Over time, you need higher doses to get the same feeling, which is how addiction takes hold.
Recent research from the Faculty of Medicine at Vilnius University has shattered the myth that e-cigarettes and heated tobacco are ‘safe’ or even ‘safer’ than traditional smoking.
‘As many as 25 per cent of the world’s population smoke,’ noted Natalja Istomina, professor from the Faculty of Medicine at Vilnius University.
‘A few years ago, electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco were introduced as alternatives because they were believed to be less harmful. But today, scientific research clearly shows that all forms of smoking are detrimental to our health,’ she said.
While e-cigarettes don’t produce tar like regular cigarettes, vapes still deliver fine particles and chemicals deep into your lungs. Some studies have found that e-cigarettes can contain even higher levels of nicotine than traditional smokes, making them more addictive.
She explained: ‘The smoking process begins in the mouth, which contains many small blood vessels that absorb substances. Then, through the lungs, the chemicals enter the bloodstream and reach other organ systems through blood vessels, sending a signal to the brain that reinforces the perception that smoking is a pleasant experience.’
‘However, this feel-good effect on the brain is extremely fleeting, while the harm caused to the body takes much longer to reverse.’
There’s also evidence linking vaping to a doubled risk of stroke and other cardiovascular problems.
On the other hand, heated tobacco products don’t burn tobacco, but they still release dangerous chemicals like formaldehyde and acetaldehyde. The risk of chronic lung diseases like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) remains high, and the long-term effects are still being studied.
Further, many people use more than one product type, making measuring the full extent of the harm even harder. Scientists warn that combining products can lead to higher overall nicotine intake and greater health risks.
It’s not just smokers who are at risk. Non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke (from any tobacco product) inhale many of the same toxic substances. This is especially dangerous for children, who are more vulnerable to respiratory infections and asthma.
And then there’s ‘third-hand smoke’—the toxic residue that lingers on clothes, furniture, and even hair. These particles can be as harmful and don’t disappear when the smoke clears.
One of the most worrying trends is the rise in vaping and alternative smoking among teenagers. Flavoured liquids, colourful packaging, and the perception that these products are ‘cool’ or ‘safe’ are drawing in a new generation.
But nicotine is hazardous for young brains, disrupting development and increasing the risk of lifelong addiction and mental health issues.
We know quitting isn’t easy. Nicotine is both physically and psychologically addictive, and withdrawal can be tough. Many people worry about losing the social aspect of smoking or missing the ritual.
But the good news is that your body starts to heal as soon as you stop. Within days, your oxygen levels improve and your senses sharpen.
Over months and years, your risk of infections, lung disease, heart problems, and cancer drops dramatically. After a decade, if you haven’t developed chronic lung disease, your body can show no signs of past smoking.
‘After ten years, if COPD hasn’t developed, the body can show no signs of past smoking,’ she said.
‘That’s why it’s vital to quit before irreversible damage occurs.’
If you’re looking for support, check out the Australian Government’s Quitline (13 7848) or visit their website for free resources and advice. You’re not alone—and it’s never too late to make a positive change.
Have you tried any of these ‘safer’ smoking alternatives? What was your experience? Or do you have tips for quitting that worked for you? Share your story in the comments below.
Also read: Beyond smoking: Study finds diet may play a role in lung cancer
