Interesting Psak: Vaping on 10 Teves

Behadrei brings an interesting psak for Asara bTeves. Though it is finished for us here in Israel (you're welcome for my not posting this earlier), and therefore already not so relevant other than being Torah and worth a discussion, there are still plenty of hours to go in the USA and parts of Europe. 

Rav Amram Fried, a renowned posek, published a list of halachic issues relevant to 10 Teves fast day to send out to his mailing list.

In his newsletter Rav Fried paskened that one cannot vape, smoke electronic cigarettes, on the fast day of 10 Teves. 

Regular cigarettes and nargila can be smoked on the fast day for someone who finds it necessary, though one should always avoid smoking year round.

Additionally, one can only wash out his mouth and brush his teeth on the fast day of he is in pain or great discomfort. One should avoid using hot water. One should avoid playing music on the fast day.

I would like to understand the difference between vaping and regular cigarettes. If it was because vaping usually has flavors, can one vape a flavorless or a menthol or whatever flavor smells/tastes like a regular cigarette?

I included the past about the brushing teeth because that seems extreme. Except for 9 Av and Yom Kippur I always learned and was taught that one could brush teeth, rinse out mouth, take a shower, etc, and even with hot water. Thoughts?

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