If you're considering switching from smoking to vaping, this is probably the first question on your mind. Smoking is a habit that has well-known negative impacts on your health, so it's natural to wonder if vaping is a better choice.

While vaping isn't completely risk-free, it is significantly less harmful than smoking traditional cigarettes—mainly because it doesn't involve burning tobacco, which releases thousands of harmful chemicals. In fact, Public Health England (PHE) has consistently stated that vaping is at least 95% less harmful than smoking. This figure is supported by years of research aimed at understanding the health impacts of both smoking and vaping.

According to a landmark 2015 review from Public Health England “estimates show that e-cigarettes are 95% less harmful to your health than normal cigarettes, and when supported by a smoking cessation service, help most smokers to quit tobacco altogether." This conclusion has been reaffirmed in multiple reviews since, including a 2018 report that stated: "e-cigarette use is associated with substantial reductions in smoking prevalence and in health risks."

Similarly, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP)—one of the UK’s most respected medical bodies—has been vocal in its support of vaping as a safer alternative for smokers. In its 2016 report, the RCP stated: "the hazard to health arising from long-term vapour inhalation from the e-cigarettes available today is unlikely to exceed 5% of the harm from smoking tobacco."

The key takeaway? 

Vaping eliminates the tar, carbon monoxide, and many of the toxic chemicals produced by burning tobacco, offering a much cleaner alternative. By switching to vaping, you’re not only cutting down on harmful substances but also gaining more control over your nicotine intake and flavour preferences—making it a safer, more flexible option for those looking to quit smoking or reduce harm.