The Evidence

Here is a list of myths that have been made about nicotine vaping.

All of which are either totally untrue or so grossly exaggerated and misleading that they could be classed as misinformation or disinformation.

To get the real facts:

simply click the topic on the tool bar on the "+" icon or collapse with the "-" icon to learn more.

There is no evidence that vaping causes popcorn lung (bronchiolitis obliterans).

This condition is a rare lung disease that has been linked to high levels of diacetyl exposure in industrial settings, such as among workers in popcorn factories.

Key Points About Vaping and Popcorn Lung:

Diacetyl in E-liquids:

In the past, some e-liquids contained diacetyl to create buttery flavors. However, regulated markets, such as the UK and EU, banned diacetyl in e-liquids in 2016 under the Tobacco Products Directive.

The levels of diacetyl found in e-cigarettes were much lower than those in cigarette smoke, which has not been conclusively linked to popcorn lung despite years of widespread smoking.

No Confirmed Cases:

To date, there have been no documented cases of popcorn lung linked to vaping.

Precautions:

Always use regulated products from reputable suppliers, as unregulated products may contain unknown or harmful substances.

Popcorn lung remains a common myth used in anti-vaping campaigns, but it is not supported by current scientific evidence regarding regulated vaping products. For more details, refer to trusted sources like Cancer Research UK.

More Information from Dr Colin Mendlesohn : Here, here & here
No, vapes do not intentionally contain insecticides.

E-cigarettes (vapes) typically contain four main components in their e-liquid:

Nicotine (optional, depending on the product and strength),

Propylene glycol (PG) and/or Vegetable glycerine (VG) – base liquids that produce vapor,

Flavourings to enhance taste,

Occasionally, other additives to control viscosity.

There has been no evidence to suggest that legal, regulated vape products intentionally contain insecticides or harmful substances like pesticides.

Misunderstandings and Unregulated Products

Concerns may arise from illicit or unregulated vape products, which could contain contaminants, including harmful chemicals. Properly regulated products undergo strict quality control to ensure they are free of dangerous substances.

Conclusion

Legal vapes do not contain insecticides.

If concerned about product safety, always buy regulated products from reputable suppliers.

Avoid black-market or unregulated vapes, as they carry greater risks of contamination.
Vapes do not contain "weed killer."

This is a myth likely stemming from concerns about harmful chemicals in vaping products. E-liquids in regulated vapes typically contain:

Propylene glycol (used in food and medicines),

Vegetable glycerin,

Nicotine (optional), and

Food-grade flavorings.

There is no evidence that regulated vape products include substances like glyphosate (a common ingredient in weed killers). However, concerns about contaminants arise with unregulated or black-market products, which should be avoided.

For safety, it's crucial to use vaping products from reputable manufacturers and illicit e-liquids.
Vapes do not contain nail polish remover (acetone).

This is another common misconception. The ingredients in most regulated e-liquids include:

Propylene glycol (PG): A common additive in food and medicines.

Vegetable glycerin (VG): A thickening agent derived from plant oils.

Nicotine: Optional and present in varying strengths.

Food-grade flavorings: Used for taste.

Acetone, the primary component of nail polish remover, is not an ingredient in legal or regulated vape products. Any suggestion that vapes contain acetone is not supported by scientific evidence or product analyses of regulated e-cigarettes.

To ensure safety, only use e-liquids from reputable manufacturers that comply with local regulations.
No, regulated and legal vapes do not contain domestic cleaners.

What Vapes Contain:

The ingredients in e-liquids are generally well-defined and include:

Propylene Glycol (PG) – a common food and pharmaceutical additive.

Vegetable Glycerine (VG) – found in food, cosmetics, and medicines.

Nicotine (optional) – the addictive substance found in cigarettes.

Flavourings – food-grade flavourings approved for inhalation where regulated.

Concerns Over Misconceptions:

Propylene glycol (PG), one of the main components, is sometimes mistakenly associated with household products because it is also used in antifreeze formulations (as a safer, non-toxic alternative to ethylene glycol).

This does not mean PG is a "cleaning product." It is safe for use in foods, medicines, and vapes, as confirmed by regulatory bodies like Public Health England and the FDA.

What About Unregulated Products?

Unregulated, black-market, or illicit vapes may contain unknown substances, including contaminants or dangerous chemicals.

EVALI cases in the US were linked to illicit THC products contaminated with Vitamin E acetate, not regulated nicotine vapes.

Key Takeaway:

Legal, regulated vapes do not contain domestic cleaners or other hazardous chemicals.

Always purchase vaping products from reputable retailers to ensure product safety.
Vapes can contain trace amounts of heavy metals, but whether they are at "dangerous" levels depends on the device, its quality, and usage. Here is a breakdown of the current evidence:

Source of Heavy Metals in Vapes

Metal Components: Vapes heat e-liquid through metal coils (usually made of nickel, chromium, or kanthal) and can release trace amounts of heavy metals like lead, nickel, tin, and cadmium during heating.

Factors Influencing Metal Emission:

Poorly manufactured devices may leach more metals.

Higher wattage or temperature can increase metal particle release.

Extended use of worn-out coils may worsen exposure.

Levels and Risk

Trace amounts of heavy metals have been detected in vape aerosol, but studies show that these levels are significantly lower than those found in cigarette smoke.

For example, Public Health England states that vaping is far less harmful than smoking, despite the presence of small amounts of toxicants.

Current research suggests that legal and regulated vapes do not emit heavy metals at levels considered dangerous for most adult users.

Regulated vs. Unregulated Products

Unregulated vapes or black-market products may contain higher, unsafe levels of contaminants, including heavy metals.

Devices produced under safety regulations, such as those in the UK and EU, have stricter manufacturing standards that minimize risks.

Health Implications

Long-term exposure to heavy metals can be harmful, but current evidence does not show dangerous levels in legal vapes.

For smokers switching to vaping, the reduction in exposure to toxic metals and other harmful substances is substantial.

Vapes can contain trace amounts of heavy metals, primarily from the heating elements, but levels are generally low and much lower than in cigarette smoke.

To minimize risks:

Use regulated devices and e-liquids from reputable suppliers.

Replace worn-out coils regularly to reduce metal exposure.
Vaping can cause respiratory symptoms in some individuals, particularly among those who are new to vaping, using poor-quality products, or with pre-existing lung conditions.

However, it is critical to differentiate between vaping nicotine products and smoking traditional cigarettes, as evidence consistently shows that vaping is far less harmful than smoking when used as a harm reduction tool.

Short-term Respiratory Effects

Common Symptoms:

Coughing

Throat irritation

Shortness of breath

Mild chest discomfort
These symptoms are usually mild and transient, especially when someone transitions from smoking to vaping.

Causes:

The inhalation of vaporized propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG), which can irritate the throat and airways in some users.

Some flavorings, when heated, may produce trace by-products that irritate the lungs. However, these levels are much lower than the toxic substances found in cigarette smoke.

Long-term Respiratory Effects

Limited Evidence: E-cigarettes are relatively new, so long-term data on vaping's effects on the lungs are still being studied. However:

Early research indicates that vaping is significantly less harmful to the lungs compared to smoking.

Long-term smokers who switch to vaping often experience improvements in lung function and respiratory symptoms like chronic cough.

No Evidence of "Popcorn Lung": A common myth links vaping to popcorn lung (bronchiolitis obliterans), a condition caused by inhaling high levels of diacetyl. However, diacetyl has been banned in e-cigarettes in regulated markets (like the UK and EU), and no confirmed cases of popcorn lung have been linked to vaping.

EVALI and Unregulated Products

The EVALI outbreak in the US (2019) was caused by illicit THC products contaminated with Vitamin E acetate, not regulated nicotine vapes.

This highlights the importance of using regulated and reputable products to minimize risks.

Respiratory Benefits for Smokers Switching to Vaping

For smokers switching to vaping:

Studies show that vaping leads to substantial reductions in respiratory symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.

Improvements in lung health have been observed after smokers make the switch, as they are no longer inhaling harmful cigarette smoke.

Key Points:

Vaping can cause mild, short-term respiratory symptoms, such as throat irritation and coughing.

Long-term risks are likely to be far lower compared to smoking, but more research is needed.

Smokers who switch to vaping often experience significant improvements in respiratory health.

The use of illicit or unregulated vapes poses higher risks and should be avoided.
It's a furphy that “nicotine can cause changes to brain development, impaired learning and memory, and may worsen stress, depression and anxiety”.
There is no evidence for these claims. Nicotine has been linked to harmful effects on the brain in animal studies which mostly use chronic, high-dose exposure. However, the extrapolation of these findings to humans is speculative.
More info
“Regular nicotine use can also worsen stress and anxiety and can make you more susceptible to depressive symptoms”

Wrong.
There is no evidence of this. Young people with depression and anxiety are more likely to try vaping, but there is no evidence it causes depression and anxiety.

In fact nicotine has a calming effect and improves mood and many people use nicotine to reduce stress, improve mood and help them cope with life

More info
Nicotine has a calming effect and improves mood and many people use nicotine to reduce stress, improve mood and help them cope with life.

- Dr Colin Mendlesohn March 15, 2022
This myth stems from the presence of propylene glycol (PG) in vape liquids. Propylene glycol is a common ingredient in:

Food products,

Medicines (e.g., inhalers),

Cosmetics, and

Some antifreeze formulations.

However, the critical point is that propylene glycol is used in non-toxic antifreeze as a safer alternative to the highly toxic ethylene glycol (used in traditional antifreeze).

PG is not harmful in the concentrations found in e-liquids.

Is Propylene Glycol Safe?

Propylene glycol is recognized as safe for human consumption by the U.S. FDA and other health authorities when used appropriately.

It is used in:

Asthma inhalers,

Food-grade products,

Pharmaceutical products like cough syrups.

In vapes, PG acts as a carrier for nicotine and flavorings, creating the vapor when heated.

Regulated Vape Liquids Do NOT Contain Antifreeze

Properly regulated vape products do not contain antifreeze or its toxic components.

Concerns arise mainly from misinformation and the misuse of unregulated, black-market products.

Key Points

Vapes do not contain antifreeze.

Propylene glycol (PG), used in e-liquids, is safe for use in food and medicine and is not toxic like ethylene glycol in traditional antifreeze.

Always purchase regulated vape products from reputable suppliers to ensure safety.
Vapes can cause poisonings in certain circumstances, particularly due to accidental ingestion, skin exposure, or misuse of e-liquid. However, such cases are rare and mostly involve children or improper handling of vape liquids.

How Can Vapes Cause Poisoning?

Accidental Ingestion:

Vape liquids often contain nicotine, which is toxic in large amounts if ingested, particularly by small children. Even small quantities of highly concentrated nicotine can be harmful.

Nicotine poisoning symptoms include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, increased heart rate, and in severe cases, seizures.

Skin Exposure:

Nicotine can be absorbed through the skin, particularly with high-concentration e-liquids. While rare, prolonged exposure can cause symptoms of mild poisoning.

Improper Storage:

Poisonings typically occur when e-liquid is not properly stored, leading to access by children or pets.

Misuse or Unregulated Products:

Illicit or poor-quality vape products may contain unknown toxic substances, increasing the risk of poisoning.

Statistics and Context

Most vape-related poisonings involve young children who accidentally ingest e-liquid. In regulated markets, vape liquids must have child-resistant caps and clear labeling to minimize this risk.

Compared to other household items like cleaning products or medications, the number of vape-related poisonings remains low.

Preventing Poisonings

Proper Storage: Keep vape products out of reach of children and pets, ideally in childproof containers.

Handle With Care: Avoid skin contact with e-liquid, especially high-strength nicotine.

Purchase Regulated Products: Use reputable, regulated vaping products with proper labeling and safety features.

Avoid DIY or Unregulated E-liquids: Homemade or black-market e-liquids may contain unsafe levels of nicotine or other toxins.

Key Takeaway

While vapes can cause poisonings, these cases are rare and primarily involve accidental exposure to nicotine-containing e-liquids, especially in children. Proper handling, storage, and use of regulated products significantly reduce the risk.
How Common Are Vape Explosions?

Vape explosions are very rare.

Explosions are more likely to happen with poor-quality or unregulated devices, rather than regulated, reputable brands.

How to Prevent Vape Explosions

Use Devices from Reputable Manufacturers:

Avoid cheap, counterfeit, or black-market products.

Charge Safely:

Use the charger provided with the device.

Do not overcharge or leave the device charging unattended.

Inspect Batteries Regularly:

Replace damaged or worn-out batteries immediately.

Avoid using damaged batteries or devices with visible wear.

Store Batteries Properly:

Use protective battery cases when carrying spares.

Avoid carrying loose batteries with metal objects.

Avoid Unauthorized Modifications:

Stick to regulated devices and avoid custom-built or modified vapes unless you are knowledgeable about battery safety.

In summary,

While vape explosions can occur, they are very rare and largely preventable by following safety guidelines. Most incidents involve improper charging, damaged batteries, or unregulated devices. Purchasing reputable products and handling them correctly ensures that the risk remains minimal.
The concern that vaping might cause someone to start smoking is often referred to as the "gateway theory", especially in discussions about youth vaping. However, current evidence provides a more nuanced understanding.

Does Vaping Lead to Smoking?

Correlation vs. Causation:

Studies show that young people who vape are more likely to try smoking compared to those who don’t vape.

However, this does not mean that vaping causes smoking. Many experts suggest this relationship is due to shared risk factors:

Adolescents inclined to experiment with vapes may already be prone to risky behaviors, including smoking.

Declining Smoking Rates:

In countries where vaping is widely available, such as the UK and New Zealand, youth smoking rates continue to decline, even as vaping becomes more common.

This suggests that vaping is not driving a new generation to smoke but is likely displacing smoking as a behavior.

Experimental Use:

Most young people who vape and have never smoked only try vaping experimentally and do not become regular users.

What Does the Evidence Say?

Public Health England (PHE) and other major health bodies state that vaping is not a significant gateway to smoking.

Instead, vaping acts as a safer alternative for smokers trying to quit.

Youth vaping remains a concern, and stricter regulations aim to prevent non-smoking adolescents from accessing vapes.

Key Points to Consider

For Non-Smokers:

Non-smokers, especially young people, should not start vaping, as there is no benefit to using nicotine.

A small minority of never-smokers may progress to smoking, but this is not evidence of causation.

For Smokers:

For adult smokers, vaping is a harm-reduction tool and has been shown to help many quit smoking successfully.

Youth Trends:

Youth smoking rates continue to decline in places where vaping is accessible, suggesting that vaping is not reversing progress in tobacco control.

Conclusion

While some studies show a link between vaping and trying smoking, the evidence does not support vaping as a major cause of smoking. Instead, it is likely that shared risk factors (e.g., curiosity, peer influence) drive both behaviors.

For smokers, vaping remains a safer alternative and an effective tool for quitting smoking.
Yes, vaping can cause nausea and vomiting in certain situations, but these effects are typically temporary and related to specific factors, such as nicotine content or individual sensitivity.

Why Does Vaping Cause Nausea and Vomiting?

Nicotine Overdose (Nicotine toxicity):

Vaping with high nicotine concentrations or frequent use can lead to nicotine poisoning symptoms, including:

Nausea

Vomiting

Dizziness

Headache

Rapid heartbeat

This is more common in individuals who are not used to nicotine or are using high-strength e-liquids.

PG Sensitivity:

E-liquids often contain propylene glycol (PG) as a base ingredient. Some people may have a mild sensitivity to PG, which can cause:

Nausea

Throat irritation

Dry mouth

Flavorings:

Certain vape flavors, particularly those with strong or sweet tastes, can trigger nausea in some individuals.

Dehydration:

Vaping can cause dry mouth and mild dehydration, which may lead to feelings of nausea, especially with prolonged use.

Overuse:

Chain vaping (frequent or continuous vaping) can overwhelm the body with nicotine or irritate the throat, contributing to nausea.

How to Minimize These Effects:

Lower Nicotine Strength: Switch to a lower nicotine concentration if you experience nausea.

Stay Hydrated: Drink water to counter dehydration from vaping.

Adjust Usage: Avoid chain vaping or taking overly long draws.

Try Different E-Liquids: Test different PG/VG ratios or flavors if sensitivity is suspected.

Check Device Settings: High wattage or overheating devices can produce harsh vapor, leading to throat and stomach discomfort.

Is It Serious?

In most cases, nausea and vomiting from vaping are mild and temporary.

However, if symptoms persist or worsen, stop vaping and consult a healthcare professional.

Conclusion

Yes, vaping can cause nausea and vomiting, particularly due to nicotine overuse, sensitivity to PG, or dehydration. Adjusting nicotine levels, staying hydrated, and moderating vaping habits can help reduce these symptoms.
The claim that a single vape is equal to 200 cigarettes is misleading and oversimplified, often stemming from misunderstandings about nicotine content and how vaping devices are used compared to cigarettes.

Where Does This Claim Come From?

The figure "200 cigarettes" is commonly associated with disposable vapes, which are marketed as having a capacity of approximately 600-800 puffs.

The comparison is based on the assumption that one cigarette equals about 10 puffs. Therefore:

600 puffs ÷ 10 puffs per cigarette ≈ 60 cigarettes.

Higher-capacity disposables (e.g., 2,000 puffs) might be exaggerated as "equal to 200 cigarettes."

Why This Claim is Misleading

Nicotine Absorption:

Cigarettes deliver nicotine more efficiently than vapes because of combustion and the presence of other chemicals.

The amount of nicotine absorbed by the body from vaping is lower compared to smoking the same number of puffs.

Variable Use:

Vapes are used differently from cigarettes. While a cigarette burns out after 10-15 puffs, a vape can be used intermittently over a longer period.

Puff count does not directly translate into the amount of nicotine absorbed.

Nicotine Strength:

Disposable vapes typically contain 2% nicotine (20mg/ml) in regulated markets like the UK.

A cigarette delivers approximately 1-2mg of absorbed nicotine, but only around 10-12mg of nicotine is naturally present in it.

Intentions of Use:

Cigarettes are inherently harmful due to the thousands of toxic chemicals from combustion.

Vapes are designed to deliver nicotine in a way that is significantly less harmful than smoking.

The Reality

Nicotine Content: A disposable vape with 2ml of 20mg/ml nicotine e-liquid contains a total of 40mg of nicotine.

This is roughly equivalent to the total nicotine present in 2-3 packs of cigarettes, but not all of it is absorbed.

Health Impact: Vaping is not risk-free, but it delivers far fewer harmful chemicals compared to smoking, as vapes do not involve combustion.

Conclusion

The claim that a single vape equals 200 cigarettes is misleading because it oversimplifies nicotine content and ignores differences in absorption and harm. While vapes may contain nicotine equivalent to several packs of cigarettes in total, they are far less harmful and deliver nicotine less efficiently than smoking.
Yes, vaping can cause lung damage, though the risks are generally much lower than those from smoking traditional cigarettes. However, certain situations and factors, such as the use of illicit products or pre-existing conditions, can increase the likelihood of harm.

Potential Lung Risks from Vaping

Irritation and Inflammation:

Vaping involves inhaling aerosolized liquids, which can irritate the airways and lungs, particularly in people sensitive to the ingredients (e.g., propylene glycol or flavorings).

This may lead to symptoms like coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath.

EVALI (E-Cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury):

In 2019, a serious outbreak of lung injury occurred in the US, resulting in hospitalizations and deaths.

The cause was linked to illicit THC vaping products contaminated with Vitamin E acetate, a thickening agent harmful when inhaled.

Nicotine-only vapes regulated in countries like the UK and EU were not associated with this outbreak.

Bronchiolitis Obliterans ("Popcorn Lung"):

This rare lung disease is caused by high-level exposure to diacetyl, a chemical used in some vape flavorings in trace amounts.

In the UK and EU, diacetyl is banned in e-liquids, and there has never been a confirmed case of popcorn lung caused by vaping products.

Effects on Lung Function:

Long-term effects of vaping on lung health are still being studied.

Some studies have shown mild decreases in lung function among regular vapers, though these changes are significantly less severe than those seen in smokers.

Is Vaping Safer than Smoking for the Lungs?

Yes. Vaping is far less harmful to lung health compared to smoking because it does not involve burning tobacco, which produces thousands of toxic chemicals linked to lung diseases such as:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),

Lung cancer, and

Emphysema.

Many smokers who switch to vaping report improvements in lung health, such as reduced coughing and better breathing.

Key Risk Factors for Serious Lung Damage

Use of Illicit or Unregulated Products:

Black-market products may contain contaminants or harmful substances (e.g., Vitamin E acetate).

Pre-existing Lung Conditions:

Individuals with asthma or chronic lung disease may experience worsened symptoms with vaping.

Misuse or Excessive Use:

Chain vaping or using poorly maintained devices can exacerbate irritation.

Conclusion

While vaping is not risk-free and may cause lung irritation or damage, particularly with prolonged use, the risk of serious lung harm is far lower compared to smoking. The most severe cases (like EVALI) have been linked to illicit, unregulated products, not regulated nicotine vapes.

If you have lung concerns or experience symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath, it's important to consult a healthcare professional.
Yes, vape flavors can attract underage youths, and this has been a significant concern for public health authorities and policymakers worldwide. The appeal of flavors is often cited as one reason young people try vaping, although other factors, such as peer pressure, accessibility, and curiosity, also play a role.

Why Do Vape Flavors Appeal to Youths?

Flavor Variety:

Vapes are available in a wide range of flavors like fruits, candy, desserts, and beverages, which are often more appealing to young people than the taste of traditional tobacco.

Marketing and Perception:

Flavored products may be perceived as less harmful or more "fun" and socially acceptable than smoking.

Bright packaging and enticing names can make flavored vapes particularly appealing to adolescents.

Experimentation:

Flavors encourage curiosity and experimentation, particularly among non-smokers who may not otherwise try nicotine products.

Evidence on Flavors and Youth Vaping

Youth Preferences:

Surveys show that most underage users prefer sweet and fruity flavors over tobacco-flavored vapes.

A study in the UK found that 77% of youths who vaped cited flavors as a key factor influencing their decision to try vaping.

Role of Flavors in Initiation:

While flavors can attract youth, it is important to note that most regular vapers among young people are those who already smoked or were at higher risk of smoking.

Youth Smoking Trends:

In countries where vaping is popular, youth smoking rates continue to decline, suggesting that vaping is not driving a new generation to cigarettes.

The majority of youth vaping remains experimental and short-term, not leading to regular use.

Balancing Harm Reduction and Youth Protection

Flavors play a critical role in helping adult smokers transition from cigarettes to vaping, as flavored vapes are more palatable than tobacco flavors. However, there is a need to balance harm reduction for adults with preventing youth uptake.

To address this concern, many countries have implemented:

Flavor bans or restrictions (e.g., banning flavors other than tobacco and menthol),

Strict marketing regulations to limit appeal to youth,

Age restrictions on vape sales, with enforcement on underage access.

In Summary:

Yes, vape flavors can attract underage youths, particularly sweet and fruity options, which can encourage experimentation. However, flavors are also essential for adult smokers looking to quit smoking. Effective regulation that balances youth protection with harm reduction for smokers is crucial.
No, nicotine does not cause cancer. While nicotine is an addictive chemical found in cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and other tobacco products, it is not the substance responsible for the harmful health effects of smoking, such as cancer.

What Does the Evidence Say?

Nicotine is Addictive but Not Carcinogenic:

Nicotine is the primary addictive component in tobacco products, but it is not classified as a carcinogen (a substance that causes cancer).

The harm from smoking comes primarily from the thousands of toxic chemicals produced by the combustion of tobacco, including tar and carbon monoxide.

Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRT):

Products like nicotine patches, gums, and inhalers have been used safely for many years to help smokers quit.

Extensive research has shown that these products do not increase the risk of cancer.

What About Vaping?

Vaping delivers nicotine without burning tobacco, which significantly reduces exposure to harmful carcinogens.

While vaping is not completely risk-free, Public Health England and other health organizations state that it is at least 95% less harmful than smoking.

Why Is Nicotine Misunderstood?

Nicotine’s association with smoking has caused confusion.

People often assume that because cigarettes cause cancer, nicotine must be to blame. In reality, it’s the smoke and toxic chemicals released during combustion that are harmful, not the nicotine itself.

Key Points

Nicotine does not cause cancer.

The burning of tobacco in cigarettes produces carcinogens responsible for cancer.

Nicotine replacement therapies (like patches and gums) and vaping are significantly less harmful alternatives for smokers looking to quit.
There is currently no direct evidence that vaping causes cancer. However, vaping is a relatively new product, and long-term studies on its effects are still ongoing. What we do know is that vaping is far less harmful than smoking, which is a leading cause of cancer due to the toxic chemicals produced by burning tobacco.

Why Smoking Causes Cancer

Traditional cigarettes release thousands of harmful chemicals, including at least 70 known carcinogens (cancer-causing substances) such as:

Tar

Benzene

Arsenic

Formaldehyde

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)

These chemicals are produced during the combustion of tobacco, which does not occur with vaping.

What About Vaping and Cancer?

Vaping Reduces Harm:

Vaping does not involve combustion, so it significantly reduces exposure to carcinogens compared to smoking.

Public Health England and the Royal College of Physicians have concluded that vaping is at least 95% less harmful than smoking.

Potential for Harm:

Some potentially harmful chemicals, like formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, can be found in vape aerosol at trace levels.

However, studies show these levels are typically hundreds of times lower than those found in cigarette smoke.

Long-Term Data Is Limited:

Since e-cigarettes have only been widely used for about a decade, there is limited long-term data on their effects.

It remains possible, though unlikely, that long-term vaping could carry some cancer risk.

Popcorn Lung and Misconceptions:

Vaping does not cause “popcorn lung” or other serious lung diseases when using regulated products. Misleading claims about vaping risks often focus on unregulated or illicit products containing harmful contaminants.

Current Scientific Consensus

For Smokers: Switching from smoking to vaping significantly reduces the risk of cancer and other smoking-related diseases.

For Non-Smokers: Vaping is not risk-free, and non-smokers should avoid it altogether.

Regulated Products: Using legal, regulated vape products minimizes any risks associated with contaminants or poor-quality ingredients.

In summary:

There is no evidence to date that vaping causes cancer, but the long-term effects are still being studied. Compared to smoking, vaping is a far safer alternative because it eliminates the harmful carcinogens produced by tobacco combustion.
No, nicotine vaping is not linked to EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury). The outbreak of EVALI that occurred in the United States in 2019 was primarily associated with illicit THC (cannabis) vaping products containing Vitamin E acetate, not regulated nicotine vaping products.

What Is EVALI?

EVALI is a severe lung injury condition characterized by symptoms such as:

Shortness of breath

Chest pain

Coughing

Fever

Nausea or vomiting

The outbreak primarily affected individuals who used illicit cannabis (THC) vaping products adulterated with Vitamin E acetate as a thickening agent.

What Caused EVALI?

Investigations by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that Vitamin E acetate was the primary culprit behind the EVALI cases.

Vitamin E acetate is not found in regulated nicotine e-liquids. It was primarily added to illicit THC products sold on the black market.

The CDC concluded that:

“Vitamin E acetate was strongly linked to the EVALI outbreak, and no cases have been definitively associated with nicotine-only products.”

Does Nicotine Vaping Cause EVALI?

No confirmed cases of EVALI have been linked to regulated, nicotine-only vaping products.

Regulated nicotine e-liquids in countries like the UK, EU, and Australia must meet strict safety standards, which prohibit harmful additives like Vitamin E acetate.

Key Points

EVALI was caused by illicit THC vaping products containing Vitamin E acetate, not nicotine vaping.

Regulated nicotine e-liquids do not contain Vitamin E acetate or similar harmful additives.

To minimize risks, always use legal, reputable vaping products from licensed suppliers.

Nicotine vaping does not cause EVALI. The condition was linked to illicit THC products, specifically those contaminated with Vitamin E acetate. If you use regulated nicotine vapes, the risk of developing EVALI is negligible.
Nicotine vaping itself is not known to directly cause death when used as intended with regulated products. However, misuse, improper handling, or the use of unregulated or illicit products can pose risks.

Let’s break this down:

Nicotine Vaping and Risk of Death

Nicotine Toxicity (Overdose):

Nicotine can be toxic if consumed in extremely high doses, such as through ingestion or misuse of concentrated nicotine solutions.

However, it is nearly impossible to inhale a fatal dose of nicotine through vaping alone under normal usage. Vaping devices are designed to deliver low, controlled doses of nicotine.

EVALI (Vaping-Associated Lung Injury):

The 2019 U.S. outbreak of EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury) led to serious illnesses and deaths.

Investigations found illicit THC products contaminated with Vitamin E acetate were the primary cause.

Nicotine-only regulated vaping products were not linked to EVALI.

Long-Term Health Risks:

Vaping is a relatively new product, so the long-term effects are still being studied. While it is not risk-free, current evidence shows that vaping is significantly less harmful than smoking.

Smoking kills half of all long-term users, while switching to vaping can reduce the risk of smoking-related diseases like lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke.

Accidental Ingestion:

Small children or pets accidentally ingesting nicotine e-liquids can suffer severe poisoning, which in rare cases can be fatal.

Proper storage of e-liquids in child-proof containers is essential.

Public Health Perspective on Vaping and Death

Public Health England states that vaping is 95% less harmful than smoking. It remains a crucial harm-reduction tool for adult smokers who are unable to quit smoking through other methods.

No deaths have been directly attributed to regulated nicotine vaping products in markets with strict safety standards.

Key Points

Nicotine vaping does not cause death under normal usage with regulated products.

Deaths linked to vaping (e.g., EVALI) were associated with illicit, contaminated THC products, not nicotine vaping.

Misuse, such as ingesting large amounts of nicotine e-liquid, can be dangerous but is avoidable with proper care.