Electronic nicotine delivering systems (ENDS), like e-cigarettes, e-hookahs, and vape (pens), are portable devices that heat a cannabis, nicotine, or tobacco oil chemical mixture into an inhalable mist. The use of ENDS emerged in 2019 and has since given rise to the vaping epidemic.3 (Vaping describes the use of ENDS). But, there are many potential dangers to vaping. These are four harmful effects of vaping and reasons for you to quit (or not start!).
It’s Not Regulated
Regulations tell us that something is safe to consume or works to treat a specific symptom or condition. When something is regulated, it lets us know that it has been thoroughly studied and meets the minimum standard of being safe for us to use. In essence, regulations assure us what we consume is not intended to hurt us.
The problem with most vaping devices is that they are not regulated. The only authorized vaping devices are in tobacco and menthol flavors. Anything else is prohibited.
In October 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved three new electronic vape devices. The difference between these and earlier devices is that the newly approved devices underwent robust testing and appear to offer more benefits to active smokers.
It’s Harmful
Many people believe that vaping is a safer alternative to smoking tobacco or nicotine products like cigars, cigarettes, pipes, etc. There is little truth in this common misconception. Vaping is only a safer alternative to smoking for active smokers⎯particularly those who want to change their smoking habits.
Vaping devices expose you to fewer harmful chemicals and toxins than first- or secondhand tobacco smoke, but there is still exposure. Under no circumstances is vaping safe for non-smokers. In fact, vaping has similar harmful effects on our youth and healthy individuals as cigarette smoke.
It Causes Lung Injury & Disease
Tobacco smoke is the leading cause of lung injury and damage. Tobacco smoke contains nicotine, an addictive and harmful substance. Smoking tobacco and tobacco products affect your blood vessels and increase your risk of stroke and heart disease. The same dangers are associated with using ENDS.
Vaping is associated with a severe lung disease called vape product-associated lung illness (or vape lung). Vape lung can happen from using any ENDS, but it often happens from using products containing cannabis.2
It’s Linked to Cancer
We cannot say with conviction that vaping causes cancer because we are still learning about the long-term effects of vaping. But, we can say that the vapors you inhale contain cancer-causing chemicals.
The Takeaway
Vaping is a relatively new epidemic. We do not know its long-term effects on our health. But we do know that vaping has no health benefits and many health detriments, especially for younger and otherwise healthy people.13
Vaping devices, like e-cigarettes, pens, and even hookah, contain chemicals and additives that can injure or damage your lungs and heart (like cigarette smoke), affect your cells, and increase your risk of developing certain respiratory conditions and cancers. Not to mention that most vaping devices are not federally regulated.
Consider the potential effects on your lungs, body, and health years from now before you vape. If you or someone you know struggles with tobacco or nicotine addiction, click here for help and resources.