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Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Vaping is EVERYWHERE

243 replies

Mehmeh22 · 23/07/2025 14:32

So the kids are off on summer holidays and I am trying to find nice activities to do. Went to the cinema yesterday, and a father with her young daughter, just gets out his vape and has a puff right in front of me while we were waiting to go in.

Then today at a play centre, Im sat in the cafe and a mother gets out her vape and surreptitiously has some of the vape and the oncoming plume of smoke...in my bloody direction.

I've been in Tesco, and someone just used it casually as you like. When I mentioned it to staff, they just shrugged their shoulders....I didn't see it.

Its bad enough people inflicting others with their noisy phones, but why oh why do people do this?!! In areas where kids are playing???? I dont care that you are addicted...that is not my problem!! People who smoke are addicted and would never dream of lighting up a cig!!!

Rant over.....

OP posts:
Thread gallery
11
PencilsInSpace · 25/07/2025 08:31

Mehmeh22 · 25/07/2025 07:13

Pray tell, where did I say they were blowing it in my face?

In the first line of your post that I quoted:

How is nail biting the same as someone blowing chemicals in my face where I have no choice but to inhale?

PencilsInSpace · 25/07/2025 08:29

Ponderingwindow · 24/07/2025 23:31

I reacted to people saying vape clouds are harmless. They are not harmless. They are dangerous for many people with a variety of medical conditions.

people inevitably try to dismiss these claims and go on tangents by saying that you can’t possibly be telling the truth because you would also react in all these other scenarios and have all these other problems. Yes, I do. It’s very consistent.

someone up above tried to use fruit as a counterexample on VOCs possibly being dangerous. Know what happens if someone cuts a lemon when I am nearby? I get hives and need my asthma inhaler. Not the worst reaction, but not pleasant. It’s not the gotcha people think it is.

natural, artificial, it doesn’t matter. There are people like me in this world that have immune systems that overreact to supposedly innocuous things.

when people claim their behavior or choices are harmless, it’s fair to counter that claim is untrue.

Second hand vape is not 'dangerous for many people', any more than lemons or cinnamon buns are. It's perfectly reasonable to say these things are safe, even while acknowledging that will not be true for particular individuals with specific allergies. Otherwise we can never say anything is safe, we have to say lemons are dangerous and we can no longer have sensible discussions about risk, which are sorely needed in this area.

You said earlier 'If people thought about their actions it would be easier to leave the house.' but it's not clear how if you're allergic to all sorts of different things, and other people will have all sorts of other different things they're allergic to. Are you expecting people to avoid eating, drinking, wearing or doing anything in public that could possibly trigger an allergic reaction in anybody? Do you do that?

Coffeeishot · 25/07/2025 08:27

Mehmeh22 · 24/07/2025 20:31

Well its not exactly just water is it.

And once again, for those in the back.....

THIS IS ABOUT VAPERS WHO DO NOT GIVE A FLYING FFFF ABOUT VAPING INDOORS IN PUBLIC SPACES!!!!!!

Maybe Im now starting to get "hysterical" or potentially losing my mind smelling bubblegum vape....who knows....

I think some posters are just winding you up now, or they are so arogant that they dont care people have to endure their "steam".

Moodershewrote · 25/07/2025 07:19

PencilsInSpace · 24/07/2025 22:20

That's nice.

I asked Google to tell me about VOCs in fruit:

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are crucial for the aroma and flavor of fruits. These compounds, which evaporate easily at room temperature, are a complex mixture of various chemical classes like esters, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, lactones, and terpenes. They play a significant role in consumer perception and acceptance of fruit quality.

Key aspects of VOCs in fruit:

Aroma and Flavor:
VOCs are the primary drivers of fruit aroma and contribute significantly to the overall flavor experience.

Biosynthesis:
VOCs are produced through various metabolic pathways, including those involving lipids, amino acids, terpenoids, and carotenoids.

Composition and Diversity:
The specific VOC profile varies between different fruit species and even cultivars, influenced by genetic makeup, maturity, environmental conditions, and postharvest handling.

Quality Indicators:
VOCs can act as indicators of fruit quality, freshness, and even potential spoilage.

Ecological Roles:
In addition to their sensory impact, VOCs also play ecological roles, such as attracting pollinators and acting as plant defenses.

Factors Affecting VOCs:
Several factors influence VOC composition, including genetic makeup, maturity stage, environmental conditions, and postharvest handling.

Examples of VOCs:
Esters like ethyl butanoate and ethyl hexanoate are known for contributing to sweet, fruity, and floral aromas.

In essence, VOCs are vital for the sensory experience of eating fruit, and understanding their production and behavior is important for optimizing fruit quality and shelf life.

What a waste of time this is!

Well done!

Clearly all VOC’s are the same, right? Riiiiight🤣

Mehmeh22 · 25/07/2025 07:13

PencilsInSpace · 24/07/2025 20:58

Ohhh they were blowing it in your face were they? Why didn't you say so?

It's amazing how many anti-vaper posters have that exact experience when behaviour at that level of rudeness is IME quite rare from anyone. It's like all the posters (not on this thread so far) who have had to evacuate their hotel because a vaper has set off the smoke alarm at 3 in the morning - always 3am, never any other time.

Maybe the vapers run round blowing vape in people's faces because they're grouchy from having to wake up for a vape at 3am.

Or maybe Mumsnet is truly full of very unfortunate outliers.

Or something.

Pray tell, where did I say they were blowing it in my face?

OP posts:
Ponderingwindow · 24/07/2025 23:31

PencilsInSpace · 24/07/2025 22:32

That does sound very difficult.

It's just not clear to me why you're singling out vapers for blame when it must be all sorts of people and situations which cause a problem for you.

I reacted to people saying vape clouds are harmless. They are not harmless. They are dangerous for many people with a variety of medical conditions.

people inevitably try to dismiss these claims and go on tangents by saying that you can’t possibly be telling the truth because you would also react in all these other scenarios and have all these other problems. Yes, I do. It’s very consistent.

someone up above tried to use fruit as a counterexample on VOCs possibly being dangerous. Know what happens if someone cuts a lemon when I am nearby? I get hives and need my asthma inhaler. Not the worst reaction, but not pleasant. It’s not the gotcha people think it is.

natural, artificial, it doesn’t matter. There are people like me in this world that have immune systems that overreact to supposedly innocuous things.

when people claim their behavior or choices are harmless, it’s fair to counter that claim is untrue.

PencilsInSpace · 24/07/2025 22:32

Ponderingwindow · 24/07/2025 21:29

Ha, you think hotel cleaning products aren’t a problem.

Do you know how difficult it is to stay in a hotel. How much planning and research it takes to find what that is relatively safe. How people bring cleaning supplies and wipe down the room, cover the bed with a protective covering and sleep with their own bedding on top, and bring their own towels. All of this and still have to take massive doses of antihistamines just to be miserable.

Most people manage to live just fine in the toxic soup that modern society had chosen to think counts for clean. Some of us are not doing as well.

That does sound very difficult.

It's just not clear to me why you're singling out vapers for blame when it must be all sorts of people and situations which cause a problem for you.

PencilsInSpace · 24/07/2025 22:25

glittercunt · 24/07/2025 21:14

There are lots of us out there who are very allergic to the vapour released from these. Then there's popcorn lung and other problems particularly when kids have got hold of them. It's not dramatic to have an issue with something people think they can do anywhere without consequence.

House!

I just found an old post of mine calling 'popcorn lung' the turd that won't flush. It was from over eight years ago.

I am tired.

PencilsInSpace · 24/07/2025 22:20

Moodershewrote · 24/07/2025 22:02

According to ChatGPT..

I asked: Are you are inhaling VOCs (volatile organic compounds) when you vape.

What are VOCs?
VOCs are gases emitted from certain solids or liquids, and many are toxic or harmful to human health when inhaled. In vaping, VOCs are released as part of the aerosol (not “vapor”) created when the e-liquid is heated.

Common VOCs Found in Vape Aerosol:
Studies have detected the following VOCs in e-cigarette emissions:

  • Formaldehyde – a known carcinogen
  • Acetaldehyde – potentially carcinogenic and irritating to the respiratory tract
  • Acrolein – toxic to the lungs and used in chemical warfare agents
  • Toluene – harmful to the nervous system
  • Benzene – found in cigarette smoke and associated with leukemia

These VOCs can form from:

  • The thermal degradation of propylene glycol (PG) and glycerin (VG), the main e-liquid solvents
  • Flavoring chemicals breaking down under heat
  • Contaminants or additives in the e-liquid or device materials

Are the Levels Lower than Cigarettes?
Yes, generally, VOCs from vaping are lower than those from combustible cigarettes, but they are not zero. Some studies show that under certain vaping conditions (like high power or “dry puffing”), VOC levels can spike and approach or even exceed those from smoking.

Health Concerns

  • Respiratory irritation
  • Increased oxidative stress
  • DNA damage
  • Inflammation
  • Potential long-term cancer risks, though long-term studies are still ongoing

Bottom Line
While vaping may reduce exposure to some harmful chemicals compared to smoking, it is not free of toxic compounds—including VOCs. Inhaling any heated chemical mixture carries risk, especially with frequent or high-intensity use.

That's nice.

I asked Google to tell me about VOCs in fruit:

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are crucial for the aroma and flavor of fruits. These compounds, which evaporate easily at room temperature, are a complex mixture of various chemical classes like esters, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, lactones, and terpenes. They play a significant role in consumer perception and acceptance of fruit quality.

Key aspects of VOCs in fruit:

Aroma and Flavor:
VOCs are the primary drivers of fruit aroma and contribute significantly to the overall flavor experience.

Biosynthesis:
VOCs are produced through various metabolic pathways, including those involving lipids, amino acids, terpenoids, and carotenoids.

Composition and Diversity:
The specific VOC profile varies between different fruit species and even cultivars, influenced by genetic makeup, maturity, environmental conditions, and postharvest handling.

Quality Indicators:
VOCs can act as indicators of fruit quality, freshness, and even potential spoilage.

Ecological Roles:
In addition to their sensory impact, VOCs also play ecological roles, such as attracting pollinators and acting as plant defenses.

Factors Affecting VOCs:
Several factors influence VOC composition, including genetic makeup, maturity stage, environmental conditions, and postharvest handling.

Examples of VOCs:
Esters like ethyl butanoate and ethyl hexanoate are known for contributing to sweet, fruity, and floral aromas.

In essence, VOCs are vital for the sensory experience of eating fruit, and understanding their production and behavior is important for optimizing fruit quality and shelf life.

What a waste of time this is!

marmite2025 · 24/07/2025 22:19

PollyBell · 24/07/2025 22:08

OK playing along what is the contents of them?

I have mine here
PG, VG, natural flavourings. I added nicotine to it as well because I buy the liquid separately

marmite2025 · 24/07/2025 22:18

glittercunt · 24/07/2025 21:14

There are lots of us out there who are very allergic to the vapour released from these. Then there's popcorn lung and other problems particularly when kids have got hold of them. It's not dramatic to have an issue with something people think they can do anywhere without consequence.

Popcorn lung is the bullshit that won’t die
the chemical related to it has been banned in vapes here since 2016 and cigarettes have way way more of that chemical. People weren’t dropping dead from popcorn lung when they were smoking

PollyBell · 24/07/2025 22:08

SilenceOfTheTimTams · 24/07/2025 20:21

Vapes don’t endanger the health of the user or anyone else.

OK playing along what is the contents of them?

Moodershewrote · 24/07/2025 22:05

It’s like swapping regular Coca-cola for Diet Coke.. They are both unhealthy🤷🏻‍♀️

Moodershewrote · 24/07/2025 22:02

According to ChatGPT..

I asked: Are you are inhaling VOCs (volatile organic compounds) when you vape.

What are VOCs?
VOCs are gases emitted from certain solids or liquids, and many are toxic or harmful to human health when inhaled. In vaping, VOCs are released as part of the aerosol (not “vapor”) created when the e-liquid is heated.

Common VOCs Found in Vape Aerosol:
Studies have detected the following VOCs in e-cigarette emissions:

  • Formaldehyde – a known carcinogen
  • Acetaldehyde – potentially carcinogenic and irritating to the respiratory tract
  • Acrolein – toxic to the lungs and used in chemical warfare agents
  • Toluene – harmful to the nervous system
  • Benzene – found in cigarette smoke and associated with leukemia

These VOCs can form from:

  • The thermal degradation of propylene glycol (PG) and glycerin (VG), the main e-liquid solvents
  • Flavoring chemicals breaking down under heat
  • Contaminants or additives in the e-liquid or device materials

Are the Levels Lower than Cigarettes?
Yes, generally, VOCs from vaping are lower than those from combustible cigarettes, but they are not zero. Some studies show that under certain vaping conditions (like high power or “dry puffing”), VOC levels can spike and approach or even exceed those from smoking.

Health Concerns

  • Respiratory irritation
  • Increased oxidative stress
  • DNA damage
  • Inflammation
  • Potential long-term cancer risks, though long-term studies are still ongoing

Bottom Line
While vaping may reduce exposure to some harmful chemicals compared to smoking, it is not free of toxic compounds—including VOCs. Inhaling any heated chemical mixture carries risk, especially with frequent or high-intensity use.

NicolaCasanova · 24/07/2025 21:51

SilenceOfTheTimTams · 24/07/2025 20:21

Vapes don’t endanger the health of the user or anyone else.

Sorry what now?

Ponderingwindow · 24/07/2025 21:29

SilenceOfTheTimTams · 24/07/2025 21:09

There was a thread quite recently on which posters claimed to be disgusted by previous occupants vaping in hotel rooms. They were gagging with the “chemicals” in the air, having bad reactions and so on.

Apart from being obvious nonsense that anyone could tell whether a vaper had been in a hotel room previously, none of the princess and the pea-level anti-vapers could explain how hotel cleaners’ products never bothered them.

There’s some right old bullshit being wheeled out.

Ha, you think hotel cleaning products aren’t a problem.

Do you know how difficult it is to stay in a hotel. How much planning and research it takes to find what that is relatively safe. How people bring cleaning supplies and wipe down the room, cover the bed with a protective covering and sleep with their own bedding on top, and bring their own towels. All of this and still have to take massive doses of antihistamines just to be miserable.

Most people manage to live just fine in the toxic soup that modern society had chosen to think counts for clean. Some of us are not doing as well.

glittercunt · 24/07/2025 21:14

RedSeven · 23/07/2025 16:36

Yes!! The anti vapers are so dramatic. It's not even smoke😂

There are lots of us out there who are very allergic to the vapour released from these. Then there's popcorn lung and other problems particularly when kids have got hold of them. It's not dramatic to have an issue with something people think they can do anywhere without consequence.

SilenceOfTheTimTams · 24/07/2025 21:09

PencilsInSpace · 24/07/2025 20:58

Ohhh they were blowing it in your face were they? Why didn't you say so?

It's amazing how many anti-vaper posters have that exact experience when behaviour at that level of rudeness is IME quite rare from anyone. It's like all the posters (not on this thread so far) who have had to evacuate their hotel because a vaper has set off the smoke alarm at 3 in the morning - always 3am, never any other time.

Maybe the vapers run round blowing vape in people's faces because they're grouchy from having to wake up for a vape at 3am.

Or maybe Mumsnet is truly full of very unfortunate outliers.

Or something.

There was a thread quite recently on which posters claimed to be disgusted by previous occupants vaping in hotel rooms. They were gagging with the “chemicals” in the air, having bad reactions and so on.

Apart from being obvious nonsense that anyone could tell whether a vaper had been in a hotel room previously, none of the princess and the pea-level anti-vapers could explain how hotel cleaners’ products never bothered them.

There’s some right old bullshit being wheeled out.

PencilsInSpace · 24/07/2025 20:58

Mehmeh22 · 24/07/2025 20:20

How is nail biting the same as someone blowing chemicals in my face where I have no choice but to inhale?

Wearing Chanel....you are telling me you think its ok to spray the perfume in your face? Because just wearing it is a very different comparison.

I don't want myself or my children in a situation where they are forced to inhale it. Especially my kids.

Ohhh they were blowing it in your face were they? Why didn't you say so?

It's amazing how many anti-vaper posters have that exact experience when behaviour at that level of rudeness is IME quite rare from anyone. It's like all the posters (not on this thread so far) who have had to evacuate their hotel because a vaper has set off the smoke alarm at 3 in the morning - always 3am, never any other time.

Maybe the vapers run round blowing vape in people's faces because they're grouchy from having to wake up for a vape at 3am.

Or maybe Mumsnet is truly full of very unfortunate outliers.

Or something.

JustSawJohnny · 24/07/2025 20:33

SilenceOfTheTimTams · 24/07/2025 19:14

Now that’s an authentic and unvarnished social objection. I don’t agree, but I give full marks for honesty.

Men wearing football shirts in restaurants and women in pyjamas in the supermarket will be next. 👍

And rightly so!

Although I'd swap football shirts for men wearing no shirts in public 😬

Mehmeh22 · 24/07/2025 20:31

Well its not exactly just water is it.

And once again, for those in the back.....

THIS IS ABOUT VAPERS WHO DO NOT GIVE A FLYING FFFF ABOUT VAPING INDOORS IN PUBLIC SPACES!!!!!!

Maybe Im now starting to get "hysterical" or potentially losing my mind smelling bubblegum vape....who knows....

OP posts:
ButterCrackers · 24/07/2025 20:23

Vapes are disgusting. What a waste of money and resources and bad for the lungs as well.

gattocattivo · 24/07/2025 20:23

Hahahaha

SilenceOfTheTimTams · 24/07/2025 20:22

Mehmeh22 · 24/07/2025 20:20

How is nail biting the same as someone blowing chemicals in my face where I have no choice but to inhale?

Wearing Chanel....you are telling me you think its ok to spray the perfume in your face? Because just wearing it is a very different comparison.

I don't want myself or my children in a situation where they are forced to inhale it. Especially my kids.

Ah, right, “chemicals”.

SilenceOfTheTimTams · 24/07/2025 20:21

NicolaCasanova · 24/07/2025 19:47

Football shirts and pyjamas don’t end anger public health or indeed the health of the wearer.

Vapes don’t endanger the health of the user or anyone else.