E-cigarettes and other vaping devices heat up a liquid that contains nicotine, flavorings and propylene glycol to make an aerosol (or mist). This is different from regular cigarette smoke, which is made up of carbon monoxide, tar, ash, other toxic chemicals and carcinogens.
There are no studies showing that vaping causes cancer, but it may affect people who are undergoing cancer treatment. One study found that e-cigarette aerosol increased the resistance of head and neck cancer cells to chemotherapy drugs used to treat these tumors.
The chemical particles in vaping vapor can cause inflammation and irritation in your lungs, which can lead to lung damage like scarring and narrowing of the tubes that bring air in and out of your lungs. It can also make your lungs less efficient at getting rid of waste, called toxins.
In addition, e-cigarette vapor can contain other harmful chemicals that can be absorbed into your body through the lungs or skin. These chemicals can be toxic to your heart, brain and immune system.
Breathing in vapor from an e-cigarette can also increase your risk of developing COPD, which is a chronic respiratory condition that affects the lungs. This condition can lead to more serious health problems, including coughing and shortness of breath that can be life-threatening, according to a 2020 review.
Kids and teens who use e-cigarettes are more likely to start smoking traditional cigarettes later in life, a study suggests. They’re also more likely to have a higher rate of smoking-related diseases such as asthma and emphysema, says Dr. Krol, the author of “Children and Adolescents Who Use Electronic Cigarettes.”
Young children who vape may be at greater risk for addiction to nicotine than those who do not vape. This can result in withdrawal symptoms and mood and cognitive problems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Talk to your child about the risks of using e-cigarettes, and explain that they can be very dangerous. Encourage them to talk to their parents or another adult if they have any questions or concerns about the safety of vaping.
If they do decide to try it, help them learn to use a device that’s approved by the FDA. That’s important, because a faulty device can be dangerous to use, or even explode!
The most serious health problem that vaping can cause is EVALI, or e-cigarette, product use associated lung injury. This condition causes widespread damage to the lungs and can be fatal. Symptoms usually start with coughing or chest pain, and it’s most common among teens and young adults.
This lung condition can develop gradually, and it’s not always easy to tell if it’s from vaping or a respiratory infection. It often starts with a mild fever, but can progress to chest pain and breathing difficulty that leads to hospitalization.
Several studies have linked vaping to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), an umbrella term for a group of diseases that affect the lungs and other parts of the body. It’s a major cause of premature death worldwide, but it can be fought with medication and lifestyle changes.
