The e-cigarette is a phenomenon that is no longer to be overlooked. Current data from the German Central Office for Addiction Issues (DHS) and the ESA survey (2024) show that in Germany around 4.27 million people regularly or occasionally vape. But what drives these millions of people? What is the role of the e-cigarette in their lives?
A survey by the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG) provides initial, clear answers: For 85,1 % the user, it serves the smoking cessation, and 79,8 % they use it because they believe e-cigarettes are less harmful than tobacco cigarettes.
These numbers show: The fascination with vaping is rarely just a trend, but mostly a conscious decision. It is a complex interplay of the desire for change, technical enthusiasm, and the search for enjoyment.
As experts from elementvape.de we see it as our duty to examine this phenomenon not only from the perspective of the seller but as an informed industry participant. In this article, we analyze in depth the value that the e-cigarette offers, why it fascinates, and – most importantly – what responsibility comes with it. We base this on data and assessments from leading German institutions.
Chapter 1: The Value – A Data-Driven Look at Harm Reduction
For the overwhelming majority of users, the primary value of the e-cigarette is not abstract but very concrete: it is a tool for Harm Reduction compared to the tobacco cigarette.
From smoke to vapor: The key difference
The fundamental difference lies in the process:
- Smoking: Tobacco is burned at around 800°C. This process (pyrolysis) produces tar and thousands of harmful substances, many of which are carcinogenic.
- Vaping: An e-liquid is heated and vaporized at significantly lower temperatures. No combustion occurs.
This very point is considered crucial by leading German health institutions.
What German authorities say: An assessment of the risks
To build trust, we must clearly state the facts.
The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) clarifies in its assessment (2022 report): Although e-cigarette aerosols can contain harmful substances, the toxicity when used as intended is “significantly lower” than inhaling cigarette smoke.
The Federal Environment Agency also concludes that for smokers switching to e-cigarettes, the “health risks are significantly reduced compared to the tobacco cigarette,” but correctly notes the lack of long-term studies.
This consensus is the core of the value: The e-cigarette is not an harmless lifestyle product, but a tool for risk reduction for adult smokers.
The psychological value: More than just nicotine
The BMG data (85.1% smoking cessation) confirms what users experience: The e-cigarette addresses not only nicotine dependence but also the deeply rooted rituals of smoking:
- The hand-to-mouth movement.
- The feeling of inhalation (the “throat hit”).
- The visual feedback of a cloud.
In addition, it allows a gradual reduction of nicotine strength, which is not possible with patches or gums.
Chapter 2: The fascination – An hobby for adults
If the e-cigarette were only a “medical device,” there would be no “fascination.” The second pillar of its role is the lifestyle and hobby character, which is often misunderstood.
An hobby for adults: The true face of the community
Public perception that vaping is a youth trend is refuted by data. A comprehensive user survey (InnoCigs, 2023) paints a clear picture:
- The Average age of vapers is about 42 years.
- Less than 2 % of users were non-smokers before vaping (“beginners”).
The Vape Community United States thus mainly consists of adults with a history as smokers. For them, vaping is a Hobby Vaping.
The revolution of flavor (sensory perception)
The greatest enjoyment factor is the Flavor variety of e-liquids. While the tobacco cigarette is sensorily limited, vaping offers an almost infinite range – from authentic tobacco notes to fruits to complex dessert creations. This enjoyment factor is a key for many to avoid returning to the “ash-tasting” cigarette.
The “Gadget” phenomenon (technology)
The Personalization of the e-cigarette is a strong driver. Users can customize their devices (battery mods, atomizers) to precisely adjust draw resistance (MTL vs. DL), vapor amount, or temperature. This Vape technology appeals to tech enthusiasts and hobbyists (self-builders) and gives the hobby a depth that goes far beyond mere consumption.
Chapter 3: Responsibility – Trust through Transparency (E-E-A-T)
An article that describes the fascination without mentioning the risks and responsibility is untrustworthy. As a responsible retailer (elementvape.de) this point is the most important to us.
Not harmless: An honest risk assessment
We must repeat the statement of the BfR (Federal Institute for Risk Assessment): E-cigarettes are “anything but harmless”.
- Addiction: Nicotine is a substance that is highly addictive.
- Ingredients: The aerosols can potentially release harmful substances such as formaldehyde and acetaldehyde when heated, although (as confirmed by the BfR) in significantly lower amounts than tobacco smoke.
- Target group: E-cigarettes are absolutely unsuitable for non-smokers, teenagers, and pregnant women.
The German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) also warns about health risks and addiction potential, especially among teenagers.
Transparency regarding EVALI and regulation (TPD)
Trust also requires educating about myths.
- EVALI (Lung injuries, USA 2019): The BfR clarifies that these cases "almost exclusively" result from the consumption of illegal THC liquids (cannabis) which were Vitamin E Acetate cut with additives. This has nothing to do with the strictly regulated nicotine-containing liquids sold in Germany.
- TPD (Tobacco Products Directive): Sales in the EU (and thus in
elementvape.de) are strictly regulated. The TPD specifies maximum nicotine limits (20 mg/ml), maximum container sizes (10 ml), and strict reporting and testing procedures for all ingredients.
Our responsibility: Youth protection (T)
The fascination with technology and flavor must never lead to Youth Protection undermined. This is the most important ethical guideline of the industry. In elementvape.de there is a strict zero-tolerance policy: Sales are exclusively to adults (age verification at checkout). We support any measure that prevents access for minors.
Chapter 4: Conclusion – A synthesis of value, fascination, and responsibility
So what is the role of the e-cigarette in modern life? Our data-driven analysis shows that it fulfills three roles simultaneously:
- A tool (The Value): For millions of adult smokers (85.1% according to BMG), it is a scientifically recognized tool (BfR, Federal Environment Agency) for Harm reduction.
- A hobby (The Fascination): For an established community of adults (average age 42), it is a pleasurable, technical hobby, which fascinates through flavor variety and personalization.
- A product (The Responsibility): It is a strictly regulated indulgence that Responsibility from the retailer (youth protection, transparency) and Education from the user (risk awareness).
The fascination of vaping does not lie in the “trend,” but in the regaining of control – control over a truck, over enjoyment, and over technology.
