Is There a Difference Between Vapor and Smoke?

Vapor and smoke may look the same, but they have actual differences. If you have questions surrounding these two, let’s start by defining each. 

What is Vapor?

According to Wikipedia, “In physics, the vapor is a substance in the gas phase at a temperature lower than its critical temperature, which means it can be condensed to a liquid by increasing pressure on it without reducing temperature.”

What is Smoke?

Wikipedia described ‘smoke’ as a collection of airborne gases and particulates that are a result of a specific object undergoing combustion, paired with air that has been entrained or mixed into the mass.

Vapor, on the other hand, is not produced through combustion. Note that cigarettes have about 600 ingredients and more than 7,000 chemicals produced when it undergoes combustion!

The Chemicals Found in Vapor and Smoke

Vapor Chemicals

The four main ingredients in vape juice are all FDA and BMA-approved, therefore, safe for use. Even pharmaceutical industries use these ingredients without reporting any issues:

• Vegetable Glycerine
• Propylene Glycol 
• Flavoring
• Nicotine

Besides these ingredients, there are other chemicals, which are tiny particles, present in vapor:

• Formaldehyde – can irritate the throat, nose, and eyes.
• Diacetyl – can cause respiratory problems.
• Heavy metals – are the most harmful component in vapor. 

Smoke Chemicals

Below are the worst chemicals that you can find in traditional cigarettes:

• Hydrogen cyanide- was used as a genocidal agent in World War II.
• Radioactive metals- can cause lung cancer.
• Benzene- is found in gasoline and pesticides.
• Carbon monoxide- is similar to exhaust fumes produced by cars.
• Arsenic- used to poison rats.
• Tar- can cause stains.

Smoke contains more harmful chemicals than vapor, which proves itself far more dangerous for your health.