Drivers often ask about the harms of vaping during their D4 medical at OccHealthNet, frequently while attempting to quit smoking. Online information on this topic can be confusing.
Smoking is well-established through extensive research involving thousands of people to be very harmful to health. It represents the primary risk factor for most cancers, heart attacks, and strokes. Passive smoking poses significant dangers to children's health. Switching to vaping therefore seems sensible, but is it truly the better option?
Research comparing vape versus tobacco smoke shows that vapes contain fewer toxic chemicals. They still contain nicotine and other harmful chemicals, though in much lower quantities than cigarettes. Nicotine makes vapes useful for smoking cessation, with strong evidence supporting their effectiveness. They deliver similar nicotine levels to patches. A UK clinical trial from 2019 found that "people who used e-cigarettes to quit smoking were twice as likely to succeed as people who used nicotine patches or gum alone."
Many HGV drivers and taxi drivers report that other chest problems can occur with vapes. The USA experienced an outbreak of chest infections linked to vapes caused by an illegal chemical that is banned in the UK. No comparable outbreaks have been documented in the UK.
Much remains unknown — vapes have existed for only a few years, with limited research on different device types, nicotine concentrations, and flavours. However, substantial research demonstrates they are safer than cigarettes, with investigations ongoing.
Overall, vapes are safer than cigarettes, ideally as a short-term measure only. HGV, PSV, bus, and taxi drivers attending OccHealthNet for medical assessments will be asked about smoking, and doctors must advise on reducing health harms.