Nicotine-free vaping: Is it safe?

September 20, 2023
Posted by Robert Reid
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Is Nicotine-Free E-Liquid Safe?

Introduction

With over a decade of history and an excellent safety record, vaping is often considered a safer alternative to smoking. However, many e-liquids contain nicotine, the addictive ingredient also found in cigarettes. So, what about nicotine-free e-liquids? Are they safer? Let's delve into this topic.

Nicotine Regulations and Controversies

Nicotine Limits: The addictiveness of nicotine is why its concentration in e-liquids must not exceed 28.5 mg/mL.
Legal Restrictions: In Australia, nicotine e-liquid is only legal by prescription. Similar restrictions may soon be in place elsewhere.

The addictiveness of nicotine is the reason the nations of the European Union have opted to limit the maximum legal nicotine strength of e-liquid to 28.5 mg/mL, which limits the addictive potential of e-cigarettes. A similar restriction may soon be in place in New Zealand. In Australia, nicotine e-liquid is not legal except by prescription.

Considering nicotine's controversy, it may be worth considering vaping nicotine-free e-liquid instead. Is nicotine-free e-liquid safer than standard e-liquid – even completely safe?

Let's take a closer look at nicotine-free vaping and learn more about it.

Why Consider Nicotine-Free E-Liquid?

Considering the controversies surrounding nicotine, it might be worth exploring nicotine-free e-liquids. But is it completely safe? Let's find out.

What's the Point of Vaping Without Nicotine?

Legal Constraints

In countries like Australia and Norway, nicotine e-liquids are illegal, leading people to opt for nicotine-free versions.

Quitting Smoking

Switching to nicotine-free e-liquids is akin to quitting smoking cold turkey. It's challenging but possible, especially in New Zealand where nicotine e-liquids are legal.

Using nicotine-free e-liquid is a good way to quit smoking - but it's not easy. If you switch from tobacco cigarettes to e-cigarettes without nicotine, it's essentially the same as quitting cold turkey. While the e-cigarette replaces the hand-to-mouth ritual of smoking, it does not replace the nicotine.

You run a high risk of relapsing and returning to smoking when you try to quit that way. While transitioning to nicotine-free vaping, some people continue to smoke, gradually reducing their cigarette consumption until they no longer do so.

How to Transition to Nicotine-Free Vaping

Step-by-Step Guide

Start Low: Begin with the lowest nicotine strength available for your device.
Adjust Gradually: Take time to adapt to lower nicotine strengths.
Switch to Refillable Devices: This allows for more precise control over nicotine strength.
DIY Nicotine Strength: Create your own in-between strengths by mixing different e-liquids.

Challenges

The real hurdle begins when you go below 3mg, as most manufacturers don't offer nicotine-free options below this strength.

Is Vaping Without Nicotine Really Safe?

The Debate

While vaping is less harmful than smoking, it still involves inhaling vegetable glycerine and propylene glycol, the safety of which is still under debate.