The Dangers of Vaping: What Are the Health Risks?
Learn how e-cigarettes affect lungs, addiction and long-term health
Learn how e-cigarettes affect lungs, addiction and long-term health
Vaping is often marketed as a safer alternative to smoking but that does not mean vaping is safe.
Electronic cigarettes can lead to nicotine addiction, lung irritation and exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. These products are especially dangerous for teens, young adults and pregnant people.
E-cigarettes remain the most commonly used tobacco product among middle and high school students in the United States, according to the American Lung Association.
While youth vaping rates have shifted over time, the health concerns remain serious, particularly as newer products, including disposable flavored vapes, have become more widely available.
Jacqueline Chang, MD, a pulmonologist at Scripps Clinic Anderson Medical Pavilion in La Jolla, and Brian Scull, MD, a pediatrician at Scripps Coastal Medical Center Hillcrest, explain the risks by answering several frequently asked questions about vaping.
What is vaping?
Vaping is the act of inhaling an aerosol (often called “vapor”) produced by an electronic cigarette or similar device. These devices heat a liquid that may contain:
- Nicotine
- Flavorings
- Chemicals and solvents
- Sometimes THC (marijuana) or other devices
Vape devices may look like USB flash drives, pens, small boxes or disposable sticks. Some are refillable, while others are designed to be thrown away.
Are all vape devices the same?
Not exactly, but they work in similar ways. Some vape devices are small and easy to hide. Others are larger and can be customized. Regardless of size, most devices heat a liquid into an aerosol that users inhale into their lungs.
“Whether you call it a vape, e-cigarette or vaporizer, the basic function is the same,” Dr. Scull says. “And the risks often come from nicotine, additives and what the liquid contains.”
Is vaping safer than smoking cigarettes?
Vaping is not safe. However, for adult smokers who switch from cigarettes to e-cigarettes, vaping may expose them to fewer harmful chemicals. Still, fewer chemicals do not mean it is harmless.
“For people who switch from regular cigarettes to e-cigarettes, vaping should be a short-term step, not the end goal,” Dr. Chang says. “Setting a quit date, avoiding dual use, and getting support through safe and effective options like nicotine replacement, medications and counseling can help people successfully quit nicotine for good.”
What chemicals are in vape aerosol?
Vape aerosol is not simply water vapor. It can contain a range of harmful substances, according to the American Lung Association, including:
- Nicotine
- Ultrafine particles that can travel deep into the lungs
- Heavy metals (from the heating coil)
- Volatile organic compounds
- Flavoring chemicals that may be toxic when inhaled
“There’s no consistent standardization across products,” Dr. Chang says. “The amount of nicotine can vary widely, and many additives and flavorings haven’t been studied for long-term inhalation.”
Can vaping cause lung damage?
Yes. Vaping can irritate the lungs and airways and may worsen conditions, such as asthma or chronic bronchitis. In some cases, vaping has been linked to severe lung injury.
Research has also linked e-cigarettes use to increased respiratory symptoms, including coughing and wheezing. There is also concern that vaping may help cause or worsen chronic lung disease in some people.
In 2019, the U.S. saw an outbreak of EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping product use–associated lung injury). Most cases were linked to illicit THC vaping products and additives, such as vitamin E acetate. The outbreak showed how risky it is to inhale unknown chemicals.
While long-term cancer risk is still being studied, experts remain concerned about repeated exposure to harmful substances in vape aerosol over time.
Is vaping regulated by the FDA?
Yes — but regulation is complicated.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates e-cigarettes as tobacco products and requires premarket review before authorization for sale. However:
- Not all vaping products on the market have been authorized
- Regulation and enforcement have changed over time
- Many products still vary widely in quality and contents
Important note: Being regulated by the FDA is not the same as being approved like a medicine for safety and effectiveness.
Does vaping help people quit smoking?
Electronic cigarettes are not a first-line treatment for quitting smoking. First-line options include nicotine replacement therapy (patch, gum, lozenge), varenicline, or bupropion, which are proven safe and effective.
E-cigarettes may be considered only if first-line treatments fail or if the person is not ready to quit completely but wants to reduce smoking, and they must fully switch from traditional cigarettes to e-cigarettes.
However, there are serious concerns:
- Many people become dual users (vape and smoke)
- Nicotine dependence can worsen
- People may relapse back to smoking regular cigarettes
“Nicotine is a powerful addiction and can prolong dependence, especially in dual users of e-cigarettes and cigarettes,” Dr. Chang says.
If you want to quit smoking, FDA-approved options are still considered the safest first-line approach, including:
- Nicotine patches, gum or lozenges
- Prescription medications
- Behavioral counseling and quit programs
What are the dangers of vaping for teens and young adults?
Vaping is especially harmful for young people.
The brain continues developing until about age 25, and nicotine exposure during this time can affect:
- Learning
- Memory
- Attention
- Impulse control
- Mood regulation
“Nicotine can affect the developing brain from pregnancy through the teen and young adult years,” Dr. Scull says. “It’s linked to learning, memory and attention problems. Smoking during pregnancy is also known to raise the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.”
Does vaping increase the risk of smoking cigarettes?
Yes. This is one of the most significant concerns for youth.
Teens who vape are more likely to try cigarettes later, increasing the risk of long-term nicotine addiction.
“Large studies show that adolescents and young adults who have ever used electronic cigarettes are 2–5 times more likely to smoke cigarettes,” Dr. Chang says.
Is vaping harmful during pregnancy?
Yes. Nicotine exposure during pregnancy can affect fetal development and increase health risks for both the parent and baby.
Even when a vape product is labeled “low nicotine,” nicotine levels can vary widely and additives in aerosol may also pose risks.
What should parents know about vaping today?
Today’s vaping products are often:
- High in nicotine
- Flavored (fruit, candy, mint, dessert)
- Small and easy to hide
- Promoted heavily on social media
Disposable vapes are also more common and easier to access than ever.
Research shows that many teens underestimate or misunderstand the nicotine content in vaping products, with some assuming flavors or aerosol mean they aren’t inhaling addictive nicotine.
“If you think your child is vaping, it helps to approach the conversation calmly, focus on the health risks and ask a pediatrician for help if needed,” Dr. Scull says.
When should you see a doctor about vaping symptoms?
Seek medical care right away if you or your child experiences:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Persistent cough
- Wheezing
- Fever
- Nausea or vomiting after vaping
These symptoms can signal lung irritation or more serious injury.
If symptoms appear suddenly or get worse quickly, seek care right away. Lung injuries from vaping can get worse fast, and early care may help prevent problems. If you are not sure if your symptoms are from vaping, ask your doctor or pediatrician for guidance.
Vape pens or other battery-powered smoking devices, is not just a growing trend among teens. Adults have also taken up nicotine vaping, sometimes with the incorrect assumption that it’s healthier than tobacco. While nicotine certainly poses heightened risks to young people, it’s highly addictive and unhealthy at any age.