Is Vaping Bad For You?

Vaping is the act of inhaling vapour from an electronic cigarette, also known as an e-cigarette or vape. Unlike traditional cigarettes, which burn tobacco, e-cigarettes use a battery to heat a liquid (known as e-liquid or vape juice). This liquid typically contains nicotine, flavourings, and other chemicals. When heated, the liquid turns into vapour, which the user inhales.

Key Takeaways

Vaping is not risk-free:

While vaping is considered less harmful than smoking, it still contains chemicals and nicotine, which can affect the lungs and heart. Experts don’t yet know the long-term effects.

It can help smokers quit but is not for non-smokers:

Some people use e-cigarettes to stop smoking, but vaping can still be addictive. Non-smokers and children should avoid it.

There are safety concerns:

Vaping devices can overheat or explode if not used correctly, and second-hand vapour may affect others, especially children. Always buy from trusted sources and follow safety advice.

How Do E-Cigarettes Work?

E-cigarettes consist of a battery, a heating element, and a cartridge or tank that holds the e-liquid. When activated, either by a puff or a button press, the device heats the liquid, creating vapour that is inhaled. Vapes are available in different forms, from disposable devices to refillable models with adjustable power settings.

Are E-Cigarettes Safe?

E-cigarettes are often marketed as a safer alternative to traditional smoking, but they are not risk-free. According to the NHS, e-cigarettes are regulated in the UK and are considered less harmful than smoking tobacco. However, the long-term effects of vaping are still being studied, and concerns remain over the impact of inhaling chemicals over time.

Video: Is Vaping Harmful?

Cancer Research UK have put together a helpful overview video outlining the risks and long term effects of vaping. You can watch it below:

Does Vaping Cause Lung Disease?

Some reports, particularly in the United States, have linked vaping to serious lung conditions, such as EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury). Research suggests that many cases were linked to black-market THC (cannabis) vape products containing harmful additives. In the UK (Rebuli et al, 2023)., vaping products are strictly regulated, reducing the risk of exposure to these harmful substances. However, inhaling any foreign chemicals into the lungs may pose potential health risks.

Does Vaping Cause Heart Disease?

Nicotine, found in most e-cigarettes, is known to increase heart rate and blood pressure. Some studies have suggested that long-term nicotine exposure could contribute to an increased risk of heart disease (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute). Research into this is ongoing, but health experts recommend that non-smokers should avoid using e-cigarettes.

Does Vaping Help You Quit Smoking?

Vaping is often used as a tool to quit smoking. Asthma & Lung UK states that e-cigarettes can be more effective than traditional nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products, such as patches or gum. However, it is advised to use vaping only as a step towards quitting nicotine completely rather than as a long-term replacement.

Does Vaping Contain Nicotine?

Yes, many e-liquids contain nicotine, but nicotine-free options are also available. Nicotine is addictive, and while vaping may help smokers reduce their nicotine intake, it can also lead to dependence if used regularly by non-smokers. Find out more at the UK Health Security Agency,

Is Vaping Safe During Pregnancy?

Pregnant women are strongly advised to avoid both smoking and vaping. Studies suggest that e-cigarette use during pregnancy may be linked to lower birth weight and developmental issues (Hawkins et al, 2022; Regan et al, 2021). If you are pregnant and trying to quit smoking, speak to a healthcare professional about safer nicotine replacement options.

Does Vaping Pose a Fire Risk?

Yes, vaping devices, particularly those with lithium batteries, can pose a fire and explosion risk if not used properly (Fakeh Campbell et al, 2020). To reduce the risk:

• Always use the correct charger for your device.

• Avoid leaving batteries in direct sunlight (Eaton et al, 2018).

• Do not carry loose batteries in your pocket where they could short-circuit (Treitl et al, 2016).

• Purchase devices from reputable sources.

Is Second-Hand Vapour Harmful?

Unlike cigarette smoke, e-cigarette vapour does not contain tar or many of the harmful chemicals found in traditional tobacco products. However, bystanders can still be exposed to nicotine and other chemicals in the vapour. Some studies suggest that second-hand vaping may increase the risk of respiratory issues in children and non-smokers  (Islam et al, 2022).

Can You Get an E-Cigarette on the NHS?

Currently, e-cigarettes are not available on the NHS as a prescription product. However, some NHS-run Stop Smoking Services may offer a free vaping starter pack to help smokers quit. If you are looking to quit smoking using e-cigarettes, speak to your local Stop Smoking Service for advice.

Vaping FAQs

Does vaping cause popcorn lung?

Popcorn lung is a nickname for bronchiolitis obliterans, a rare but serious lung disease that damages the small airways (Landman et al, 2019), making it harder to breathe. The name comes from a past incident where factory workers making microwave popcorn developed the condition after inhaling high levels of diacetyl, a chemical used for buttery flavouring.

Some older e-liquids contained diacetyl, raising concerns that vaping could cause popcorn lung. However, in the UK, e-liquids are strictly regulated, and diacetyl is banned in vaping products. While vaping still exposes users to chemicals, there is no conclusive proof that it directly causes popcorn lung.

For lung health, it is always best to avoid inhaling harmful substances. If you are concerned about the risks of vaping, speak to a healthcare professional.

Final Thoughts

While vaping is considered less harmful than smoking traditional cigarettes, it is not entirely risk-free. If you do not smoke, you should not start vaping. For smokers looking to quit, e-cigarettes may be a useful tool, but they should be used as a temporary aid rather than a permanent habit. Always buy from reputable sources, follow safety guidelines, and seek professional advice if you need help quitting smoking or vaping.

Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Alexis Missick MBChB. MRCGP
GMC reference no: 7151419
LinkedIn
Website

Sources

• Using E-cigarettes to Stop Smoking (NHS)

• Is Vaping Harmful? (Cancer Research UK)

• E-cigarettes and Heart Health (British Heart Foundation)

• Vaping to Quit Smoking (NHS)

• 8 Things to Know About E-cigarettes (UK Health Security Agency)

• Misconceptions About Vaping (Action on Smoking and Health)

• Is Vaping Harmful? (Bupa)

• The Truth About Vaping (Yorkshire Cancer Research)