Vaping myths at a glance: 10 misconceptions cleared up

In short: Many claims circulate about e-cigarettes – in both directions. Some play down vaping, others mix up the legal situation and product types. Here you will find ten common misconceptions and what is actually true, with a focus on the situation in Switzerland. Important up front: nicotine is addictive. Smoke-free products are not risk-free either.

The 10 most common misconceptions

1. "The vapour is just harmless water vapour."
2. "Nicotine is harmless – it's only vaping."
3. "Nicotine-free vapes can be sold freely."
4. "Disposable vapes are banned throughout Switzerland."
5. "Devices with an extra tank and many thousands of puffs are allowed."
6. "ELFA Pro and similar devices are disposable vapes too."
7. "EVALI was caused by ordinary e-liquids."
8. "More nicotine is always better."
9. "Second-hand vapour doesn't matter at all."
10. "Cheap vapes from unknown sources are just as good."

1. "The vapour is just harmless water vapour"

False. What is produced when vaping is not water vapour but an aerosol. It consists mainly of propylene glycol, glycerine, flavourings and, in most cases, nicotine. Heating can also produce breakdown products, especially when the coil overheats ("dry puff"). The aerosol is therefore not harmless. Long-term data covering decades are still missing; research is ongoing.

2. "Nicotine is harmless"

False. Nicotine is addictive and affects the heart and circulation, for example pulse and blood pressure. Doses that are too high can cause dizziness, nausea and headaches. For pregnant women, nicotine is problematic in any form. If you don't smoke, don't start vaping. You can read more about strengths and effects in the guide Nicotine content: effects and risks.

3. "Nicotine-free vapes can be sold freely"

False. Since 1 October 2024 the Tobacco Products Act (TabPG) has applied in Switzerland. E-cigarettes may only be supplied to people aged 18 and over – with and without nicotine. This also applies to online sales, where age verification is mandatory. Also since 1 October 2024, a tax has applied to e-cigarettes: CHF 1.00 per ml for disposable e-cigarettes (including nicotine-free ones) and CHF 0.20 per ml for nicotine-containing liquids and refills, plus 8.1% VAT in each case. Details can be found in the article Vape tax in Switzerland.

4. "Disposable vapes are banned throughout Switzerland"

Not correct. There is currently no national ban. Parliament has called for a ban, but when it will come into force is still open. Some cantons have gone ahead: in Valais a cantonal ban applies, which the Federal Supreme Court confirmed on 1 July 2026, and in Geneva the ban has been back in force since 16 July 2026. Other cantons are discussing similar rules. The article Disposable vape ban: cantons at a glance summarises the current situation.

5. "Devices with an extra tank are allowed"

False. On 14 April 2026 the Federal Supreme Court ruled that the tank volume of disposable e-cigarettes may not exceed 2 ml and may not be extended by a connected cartridge or extra tank. So-called hybrid or "big puff" devices can therefore no longer be sold in Switzerland. Refillable devices may only be sold empty.

6. "ELFA Pro and similar devices are disposable vapes too"

False. Devices such as the ELFA Pro or the Aroma King SMART are rechargeable pod systems: the battery stays, only the pods are replaced. Legally and for tax purposes they are treated differently from disposable e-cigarettes. You will find an overview in the pod systems collection.

7. "EVALI was caused by ordinary e-liquids"

Not quite. According to the US health authority CDC, the wave of lung illnesses (EVALI) in the USA in 2019 was linked primarily to illegal THC-containing products to which vitamin E acetate had been added. That does not mean regular nicotine liquids are harmless, though. The right lesson is: no products from unknown sources, no self-mixed additives.

8. "More nicotine is always better"

False. Nicotine salt liquids and disposable devices often contain 20 mg/ml – that is already a lot. Higher strengths do not increase enjoyment, but mainly side effects and dependence. Anyone who vapes chooses a strength that matches their previous consumption and does not increase it without reason.

9. "Second-hand vapour doesn't matter at all"

False. Even though no smoke is produced, nicotine and fine particles get into the room air. Consideration is therefore appropriate – especially in enclosed spaces, in the car and near children and pregnant women. House rules and local regulations also apply to vaping.

10. "Cheap vapes from unknown sources are just as good"

False. With black-market products, ingredients, nicotine content and tank volume are often unclear. When buying, look for:

• Complete labelling: ingredients, nicotine content and warnings on the packaging.
• Swiss requirements: tank volume of no more than 2 ml for disposable devices, no extra tanks.
• Age verification: reputable retailers only sell to adults aged 18 and over.
• Well-known manufacturers: established brands such as Elf Bar document their products.

Tips on choosing can be found in the article Choosing the right e-cigarette.

Key takeaways

Vapes at Snustrend

At Snustrend you will find disposable vapes, pod systems and liquids that comply with Swiss requirements. Shipping costs CHF 8.90, or CHF 4.90 (Economy) for orders of CHF 60 or more. You can read more about the differences in the guide Vaping vs. smoking.

FAQ

Is vaping risk-free?

No. The aerosol contains nicotine and other substances, nicotine is addictive, and long-term data are still missing. Smoke-free products are not risk-free either.

What caused EVALI?

According to the CDC, the 2019 cases in the USA were linked primarily to illegal THC products to which vitamin E acetate had been added. So don't buy products from unknown sources.

Can I buy nicotine-free vapes under 18?

No. Since 1 October 2024, e-cigarettes with and without nicotine may only be supplied in Switzerland to people aged 18 and over.

Are disposable vapes banned in Switzerland?

Not nationally. Cantonal bans apply in Valais and Geneva. Hybrid and big puff devices with an extra tank may no longer be sold since the Federal Supreme Court ruling of 14 April 2026.

Note: Nicotine products are only for adults aged 18 and over. Nicotine is addictive. This is not legal or tax advice.