Choosing to quit smoking is never an easy process. However, the positive results from doing so are almost immediate. As time progresses, the effects of no longer smoking get increasingly better. The issue many have with quitting smoking is the struggle of not having a cigarette. The sudden loss of nicotine can cause some who have chosen to stop falling back into old routines.

To avoid picking up another cigarette, many will look for alternatives to smoking. Some of the most common include nicotine patches and gum. Vaping is a viable option to help to quit smoking. It has become one of the most popular tools people use to stop smoking. Part of the reason is due to being able to reduce their nicotine intake. Another reason is due to it being the most effective.

A rising number of people who switched to a vape to help them quit smoking have not picked up a cigarette since changing to an e-cigarette. With more people choosing to switch to a vape, more options are becoming available to entice people further to change.

Despite this, there might be a few areas unclear for those who have just switched to using a vape, such as long-term effects and being able to vape indoors. Here are a few things to know about vaping indoors in the UK.

Smoking in indoor spaces

Smoking cigarettes in indoor spaces, such as pubs, restaurants and workplaces, has been banned since the 1st July 2007. The ban also covers other public spaces, indoor workplaces and public transport. Entrances, corridors and other shared spaces are also smoke-free areas as well. The only exception is designated smoking areas.

However, there is currently no legislation regarding the use of e-cigarettes inside. There are discussions about changing this legislation to make it the same as smoking cigarettes. Yet no further action has taken place. Whether consumers can use a vape indoors depends on the establishment and the rules they have in place. They still have the power to choose to prohibit vaping from their establishment.

The best option is to check with the property owner or manager for those unsure about vaping indoors. The answer will likely be no, but it is better to ask than risk receiving a fine or a potential ban.

Many will also question if vaping can trigger smoke detectors in a building. Vaping does not produce smoke like cigarettes; it produces vapour. As such, it is understandable to assume that vaping will not set off a smoke alarm as there is no smoke produced to detect.

Vaping does not often trigger buildings smoke alarms, but there is a possibility that it can. Three smoke detectors are the most commonly used. Depending on the smoke detector being used will indicate the likelihood of it being triggered by someone using a vape. These are the three smoke detector models available.

• Photoelectric-Based Detectors – These are the most common smoke detectors and are likely to be set off by a vape being used. It detects smoke within its vicinity using optical light beams. When there is enough smoke coating the detector, it will break the light beams, and the alarm will be set off.
• Heat Alarms – Heat alarms are the least commonly used smoke detectors. It is also the alarm that will cause minor problems for those that vape. A heat alarm is frequently used in kitchens. The alarm is triggered depending on the level of heat that it detects, not the amount of smoke. Those using a vape pen will have no issues as the heat produced from a vape pen will not be enough to trigger the alarm.
• Ionisation-Based Detectors – An ionisation-based detector works around small amounts of radioactive materials. These materials are found in between two electrically-charged plates, which ionises the air in the device. This then generates a current that smoke particles in the air will break. When the current is broken, the alarm is triggered. As this detector works with particles, it is sensitive to any changes within its environment. When using a vape, it produces vapour, not smoke. The vapour has different kinds of particles to that of smoke. In theory, using a vape around an ionisation-based detector will not trigger it. However, they have been known to be set off by those using a vape. Using a vape around an ionisation-based detector will be trickier than using it near a heat detector.

How vaping affects your home

When the weather turns cooler or looks unappealing, many will be tempted to vape within their home. The issue with choosing to vape within their home is not knowing how it can affect your surroundings. Many are aware of the effects smoking cigarettes can have on their home but not vaping. Here are a few ways vaping can affect your home’s surroundings.

Potential wall stains

Smoking cigarettes inside your home can cause the walls to stain and any furnishing to turn an unappealing brown shade. When using a vape to satisfy your nicotine craving inside your home, the impact can be less dramatic than smoking a cigarette. The vapour from a vape can leave residue on the wall, attracting dirt.

The difference is that the stains can take a considerable time to build up. These stains can easily be removed by using a wet cloth to clean the stains left. Consider using a vape near an open window to minimise staining impact. Alternatively, try vaping in a room that has plenty of ventilation to prevent staining from occurring.

Odour lingering in the air

Some might notice an odour left behind from using a vape. However, the smell is considerably less noticeable than that of smoking cigarettes. The scent left behind can also be more pleasant than the scent of cigarettes. The smell is usually of the flavour from the e-liquids used.

Like smoking a cigarette inside, using a vape inside will also leave a lingering smell. It can seep into the furnishing in your home. By having good ventilation throughout your home, you can help reduce the lingering smell of vaping odour.

Affect resale value

If you have plans to sell your house in the future, vaping outside might be the preferred option. Some vaping products produce odours that can be challenging to remove. Although these smells might not be as strong as cigarettes, potential buyers might still notice the odours from vaping whilst touring the house. It could impact the value of your home. These smells could be off-putting and could potentially turn people away from placing an offer on the house. It can make it challenging to get a sale made for your home, further delaying the selling process.

In conclusion

Vaping indoors can have an impact on indoor air quality. Whether you choose to vape in your home or you allow others to do so, it can pose a risk to your air ducts over time. The risks to the air ducts are what impacts the air quality is like within your home. Many will treat using a vape indoors as smoking a cigarette inside. Using a vape indoors at home is your choice, but you might be restricted in public spaces.