Vapor shops and stores carrying e-cigarettes have proliferated in Spring in the past year.

Local shop owners said the popularity of these shops has risen due in part to the belief that e-cigarettes offer a healthier alternative to traditional smoking.

"You have to keep in mind, vaping came a long way compared to what it was before," said Avion Yin, owner of Forever Vapes, which opened along Louetta Road in Spring in 2014. "All of our customers have one goal in mind: to put down analog [cigarettes]. Most customers have had bad experiences related to health issues."

Forever Vapes is one of several vapor shops that opened in Spring in the past year. Trinity Vapor opened at Rayford and Richards roads in mid-2014, and Joy's Pure Vapor, Chunky Monkey Vapor and Allied Vapor all opened along FM 2920 in the past year.

Local smoke shop owners said most of their customers find vaping to be a life-changing experience as the majority of customers are looking to reduce the amount they spend on cigarettes and traditional tobacco.

"Most are here for various reasons, whether it be financial or they have kids around the house or they have dealt with issues like emphysema," Yin said.

Trinity Vapor Manager Danielle Kellar said she also attributes the popularity of e-cigarettes to smokers wanting healthier alternatives to smoking cigarettes.

"I think it's because [vaping is] a healthier alternative," Kellar said. "I think a lot of people don't think they can quit cold turkey. This gives them another option."

E-cigarettes work using a flavored e-juice, which is put inside a vaporizing device and heated. Vaping enthusiasts tout that e-cigarettes do not contain many of the harmful chemicals and carcinogens found in traditional cigarettes. They also do not produce smoke but omit a watervapor mist instead.

Although those who use vapor cigarettes are quick to attest to the health benefits, the Food and Drug Administration is studying the effects of vaping. FDA officials have issued a proposal that would extend the agency's tobacco authority to cover e-cigarettes, claiming not enough studies have been done to fully comprehend the potential risks and benefits. The FDA would also obtain the power to tax e-cigarette sales.

Meanwhile, vaping continues to grow in popularity. City of Houston officials passed a ban on smoking in the city's public parks in July, but the ban did not include e-cigarettes.

The largest vaping summit in the world took place at NRG Center in Houston in November. Organizers of the event suggest the FDA's main interest in extending its ability to regulate vaping is not public health but extending its taxing authority to e-cigarettes.