Vaping has become increasingly popular recently, but have you ever wondered how long the vapour lingers in the air? In this article, we will explore just what vape smoke is, how long it stays in the atmosphere, tips for reducing its presence in the air and local laws and regulations.

Summary

• Vape smoke is different from traditional cigarette smoke and composed of water vapour, glycerin, and flavourings.

• Location, type of device, e-liquid, session duration, humidity, and temperature influence how long vape smoke stays in the air.

• Vaping in well-ventilated areas, using air purifiers, practicing considerate vaping, and choosing low-impact flavours can minimise the impact of vape smoke.

• Many countries and areas have implemented laws and policies concerning vaping in public spaces.

What is Vape Smoke?

The phrase vape 'smoke' is actually a misnomer because vapes and e-cigarettes do not produce smoke. Vape smoke is an aerosol or vapour that is different from traditional cigarette smoke. It is composed of water vapour, glycerine, and flavourings, making the particles smaller and lighter than cigarette smoke and able to dissipate quickly.

Does Vape Smoke Linger?

The vapour produced by e-cigarettes lasts only for a few seconds or minutes and does not linger like traditional cigarette smoke. When the atomiser in an e-cigarette heats the e-liquid, it transforms into an aerosol. An aerosol is a mixture of tiny liquid droplets suspended in the air. These droplets are much smaller than the particles found in traditional cigarette smoke, which means they evaporate more quickly.

Factors Influencing How Long Vape Smoke Stays in the Air

Location

One of the most significant factors is the environment where vaping takes place. When using e-cigarettes in enclosed spaces like rooms or vehicles, the vapour clouds can linger for longer periods due to limited air circulation and restricted airflow.  On the other hand, well-ventilated areas that have open windows or fans may see the smoke cleared away more quickly. Proper ventilation is essential for minimising the impact of e-cigarette clouds on indoor air quality.

Device Type

It is also important to consider the type of vape device used since it can affect the amount of vapour produced and how long it lingers in the air. For instance, high-powered devices that generate large vapour clouds may take more time to disperse compared to smaller, less powerful devices. 

E-Liquid

The type of e-liquid used also plays a role in how long vape smoke lingers in the air. Some e-liquids contain higher concentrations of glycerine, which can make the vapour denser and heavier, leading to longer-lasting smoke. Additionally, certain flavourings may impact the longevity of vape smoke, as some flavours may be more prone to lingering in the air. Read more about E-liquids ingredients in our guide.

Session Duration

The length of time that e-cigarette vapour clouds remain in enclosed spaces can be affected by the frequency and intensity of vaping. If you vape continuously in a small, confined area, the smoke concentration can increase, making it take longer for the smoke to clear. Therefore, it is advisable to vape in well-ventilated areas or take breaks to allow the smoke to disperse adequately.

Humidity and Temperature

Humidity and temperature can significantly impact the production and appearance of vape smoke. Higher temperatures tend to produce denser and larger clouds, while lower temperatures may result in thinner and smaller clouds. 

Humidity can also affect the size and density of the clouds, as higher humidity levels can cause the clouds to become more visible and thicker. It is important to note that the ideal temperature and humidity levels may vary depending on the vape device type and e-liquid used.