Cigarettes and vapes (or electronic cigarettes) differ in various aspects, including their composition, method of use, health effects, and regulation. Here are some key differences:

1. Composition:

   • Cigarettes: They contain dried tobacco leaves wrapped in paper, which, when lit, produce smoke through combustion. Cigarette smoke contains numerous harmful chemicals, tar, and carcinogens.
   • Vapes/E-cigarettes: These devices heat a liquid (e-liquid or vape juice) containing nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals to produce an aerosol (commonly called vapor) that users inhale. They do not involve combustion and, therefore, produce fewer harmful chemicals than cigarettes.

2. Nicotine Content:

   • Cigarettes: Typically contain nicotine derived from tobacco.
   • Vapes/E-cigarettes: The nicotine content in e-liquids can vary, and users can choose nicotine-free options or liquids with varying nicotine strengths.

3. Usage:

   • Cigarettes: Smoked conventionally by lighting one end and inhaling the smoke.
   • Vapes/E-cigarettes: Users inhale vapor created by heating the e-liquid through a battery-powered heating element. Some devices are activated by the user pressing a button, while others are activated by inhaling.

4. Health Effects:

   • Cigarettes: Smoking is linked to various health issues, including lung cancer, heart disease, respiratory problems, and other serious illnesses. The smoke from cigarettes contains harmful toxins and carcinogens.
   • Vapes/E-cigarettes: While generally considered less harmful than cigarettes due to fewer toxic substances, the long-term health effects of vaping are still under study. Some concerns include potential lung damage, nicotine addiction, and adverse effects on cardiovascular health.

5. Regulation:

   • Cigarettes: Heavily regulated in many countries, with strict rules on advertising, sales to minors, and public usage due to their established health risks.
   • Vapes/E-cigarettes: Regulations vary across regions but are increasingly being scrutinized and regulated due to concerns about their popularity among young people and uncertainty about long-term health effects. Some jurisdictions restrict sales to minors, advertising, and use in public spaces.

Both cigarettes and vapes pose health risks, but cigarettes have a longer history of established harm due to their combustion and the numerous toxins present in their smoke. Vaping is often considered a harm reduction tool for smokers trying to quit, but its safety as a long-term alternative is still a subject of ongoing research.