Is Secondhand Vape Smoke Harmful?

CONTENTS

• What is secondhand vape smoke?
• What are the risks of secondhand vape smoke?
• Does vape smoke leave behind residue?
• Does vape smoke leave lingering odours?
• How to prevent vape smoke from lingering in your home
• When to involve professional cleaning services
• Frequently asked questions
• Get in touch

In a country where vaping has surged in popularity, it is vital to grasp the effects of inhaling secondhand vapour from e-cigarettes. The composition of e-cigarette vapours differs from cigarette smoke, but they may leave lingering residue in your home.

At ICE Cleaning, our smoke odour removal services include the removal of vape residue and odours. We are experienced in removing cigarette odours and post-fire odours, creating a safer environment and improving your air quality.

Read on to learn the dangers of inhaling these vapours and whether vaping leaves residue or odours that could affect indoor air quality. 

What is secondhand vape smoke?

Secondhand vape smoke is not smoke in the traditional sense. E-cigarettes - or vapes - emit an aerosol, which is a mixture that transforms liquid into vapour. 

This mixture of nicotine, additives, and diverse compounds comes from e-cigarettes. Unlike cigarette smoke, which results from burning tobacco, vape aerosol is emitted when a liquid turns into vapour.

The difference between secondhand vape smoke and conventional tobacco smoke is in their composition. 

Vaping does not involve combustion, so it does not produce carbon monoxide or tar. However, this does not mean it is harmless. The aerosol can still carry substances like formaldehyde and acrolein that pose health risks.

What are the risks of secondhand vape smoke?

Secondhand vape smoke is not just "water vapour"; it is a mixture of nicotine, flavourings, and other chemicals. Exposure to these compounds can affect the well-being of individuals who inhale them without actively vaping.

A study published by the National Library of Medicine shows respiratory irritation as one of the immediate effects of inhaling secondhand vape smoke. Ultrafine particles, capable of infiltrating the lungs, might intensify asthma symptoms or trigger allergic responses.

Exposure to vaping increases heart rate and blood pressure temporarily due to the nicotine exposure of bystanders. Inhaling these vapours can be dangerous for expectant mothers, those with existing health issues, and children.

Does vape smoke leave behind residue?

New studies have found that the vapour from e-cigarettes can linger on different items, like wardrobes and sofas.

The presence of nicotine residue is found on indoor surfaces days after vaping has stopped. These discoveries highlight the risk of poor air quality indoors, contributing to volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

In areas allowing indoor vaping, air quality concerns emerge as customers and workers are exposed to secondhand and thirdhand vapour. This exposure compromises the immediate air quality and poses a risk through residual substances left behind.

Does vape smoke leave lingering odours?

The answer to this question is not straightforward, as it heavily depends on various factors. This includes the type of vape juice used, frequency of use, room ventilation, and the materials present within the space.

Different flavours and compositions of e-liquids can affect how long their odour remains in an environment. Investigations into the air quality of indoor areas reveal that areas with consistent vape odours could harbour these smells for a long time. 

Poorly ventilated rooms, or those with absorbent materials like carpets and curtains, are also more susceptible to absorbing these odours.

How to prevent vape smoke from lingering in your home

People who enjoy vaping will struggle with ensuring their habit does not permanently mark the areas where they vape. 

Addressing the issue and ensuring adequate airflow in spaces is integral. Opening windows or using standing fans can significantly reduce the concentration of vape aerosols.

Choosing vapes with low vegetable glycerin (VG) content also plays an essential role, as higher VG levels produce denser vapour that lingers longer. 

Regularly hoovering and steam cleaning furniture are effective strategies for removing any residues that settle on surfaces. Incorporating air purifiers into your home can further assist by filtering out vape particles from the air. 

Opting for vapourless e-liquids and using lower heat settings on your device minimises vapour production at its source. However, taking it outside is perhaps the simplest way to keep your indoor environment vapour-free.

When to involve professional cleaning services

Vape odours and residues can infiltrate your home with a persistence that is hard to eliminate. These invisible residues cling to fabrics, furniture, and even walls, gradually building up over time.

This accumulation affects the air quality within your home and poses potential health risks for occupants. 

Professional cleaning services have the expertise and equipment to remove these residues and odours. Employing advanced methods, they surpass typical tidying routines to purify your surroundings.

If you notice lingering smells despite regular cleaning or if surfaces start feeling sticky or discoloured from vape residue, it may be time to call the professionals.

Frequently asked questions

Is it bad to be around secondhand vape?

Yes, being near secondhand vape exposes you to harmful chemicals. It is not risk-free, especially for those with health issues.

Is it safe to vape indoors?

No, vaping indoors compromises air quality and leaves residue on surfaces. 

How long does secondhand vape stay in the air?

Vape clouds dissipate quickly but can linger longer in poorly ventilated areas. Always ensure fresh air circulation.

Is it safe to vape around children?

No, children are more vulnerable to the toxins in vapes. 

Get in touch

For improved air quality, you can rely on our cigarette odour removal services at ICE Cleaning. We utilise the latest technology to remove vape smoke residues and lingering odours in your furniture, ensuring no trace of nicotine is left behind.

To learn more about our odour removal services, get in touch with our team today at 0208 066 0360 or enquiries@icecleaning.co.uk. We can be on-site at your earliest convenience in an emergency and will ensure the job is completed to your satisfaction.