This article is a translation of the following Japanese article:
Original: ノンニコン電子タバコ（VAPE）は安全？｜煙なしでも健康への影響はあるの？
“Are e-cigarettes without nicotine safe?”
“Are there really no health risks?”
――These are questions that anyone considering electronic cigarettes must have asked at least once.
In conclusion, Just because it doesn’t have nicotine doesn’t mean it’s absolutely safe.
We will explain the reason in an easy-to-understand manner based on the latest information.
Author
“It may be a bit dangerous to be too confident that “Nicotine free = good for the body”…🌿”
🧴 What is a non-Nikon electronic cigarette?
Non-Nikon electronic cigarettes are
✔ Not e-liquid containing nicotine
✔ A device that heats e-liquid whose main ingredients are vegetable glycerin or propylene glycol
✔ Inhales mist (steam)
.
There is no combustion like with cigarettes, and there is no generation of tar or carbon monoxide.
However, the latest research points out that just because there is no nicotine does not mean it is completely harmless.
🧠 Why the health effects are not completely zero even without nicotine
✔ ① The health effects of steam itself are still under research
Nicotine-free e-cigarettes are said to have low nicotine dependence and relatively low toxicity, but because they are new products,the long-term health effects of inhaled vapor are not fully understood.
Worldwide research has pointed out that there is still not enough evidence to declare that it is safe because it is non-nicotine.
Author
“It may be surprising to hear that it is a product with a short history, but the long-term safety verification is still in progress.”
✔ ② Steam may contain chemicals
Even if it does not contain nicotine, when e-liquid is heated
- Propylene glycol
- Vegetable glycerin
- 香料
enter the body as vapor.
Although these ingredients have been evaluated for their safety as food additives, the effects of inhaling them into the lungs have not yet been fully evaluated.
✔ ③ Poor quality of product
Many e-cigarettes officially sold in Japan are nicotine-free products, but it has been reported that there are some cases where the label and actual ingredients do not match.
In addition, ingredients imported from overseas may not be adequately controlled, and the risk of unintentionally inhaling harmful substances cannot be said to be zero.
Author
“Even if it is as advertised, there are cases where product management is not good enough.”
🩺 Points of health risks that even non-nikki consumers should consider
🔹 Generation of harmful substances
Although it is non-nikon, it has been pointed out that the chemical substances contained in the steam may turn into other substances during the heating process.
This is still under research, but it could be a risk to be overconfident that it’s safe because it’s steam.
🔹 Passive intake (impact on surroundings)
Although non-nikon electronic cigarettes are said to have a low risk of passive smoking, vapor is not completely “harmless air.”
Be especially careful if you are around sensitive people, children, or pregnant women.
Author
“It’s a misconception that it’s safe because it’s not smoke. Even steam has quite a bit of an effect.”
🧪 Non-Nikon electronic cigarettes and smoking cessation/smoking control
Some overseas reviews have shown that electronic cigarettes (including those containing nicotine) may be helpful in quitting smoking, but this is a study aimed at replacing nicotine, and the “smoking effect” of non-nicotine alone is not clear.
🧠 “Safe” and “completely harmless” are different
A common misconception is that
Since it is non-nikon, it is absolutely safe and does not harm your health
There is an idea that this is the case, but it cannot be determined with the current research.
Although it has a reputation for being highly safe, research is still ongoing into its long-term effects and how the components of the vapor affect the body.
Author
“It’s important to not think that ‘zero = complete safety’ and to talk to your body while interacting with it.”
🧠 Tips for safe fun
✔ 1. Choose genuine products
You can lower your risk by choosing a domestic and trusted brand with reliable labeling and ingredients.
✔ 2. Check flavor ingredients
Use fragrances designed for inhalation and avoid unnecessary additives.
✔ 3. Be careful not to overuse
Although there is no nicotine, the habit of constantly smoking for hours on end can put a strain on your lungs.
Author
“Making sure you don’t have too much fun and get addicted to it is also a way to be conscious of your health.”
🧾 Summary｜Are non-Nikon electronic cigarettes safe?
✔ Health risks are lower than those containing nicotine
✔ However, it cannot be said to be completely safe
✔ There is still insufficient data on the effects of vapor itself and long-term use
✔ It is important to check the quality and ingredients of each product
Although non-Nicotine e-cigarettes are less dangerous than cigarettes or nicotine-containing products, they cannot completely eliminate health risks.
Even if you enjoy it, be aware of the amount, frequency, and selection to minimize the impact on your body.
Author
“It is more important to know what will happen than to assume it is safe🌱”
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