Quit Vaping · Guides

Health Risks of Vaping: What We Know About E-Cigarettes

Vaping can lead to dependence when a product contains nicotine. It also exposes you to an aerosol that can irritate your airways. The risks depend on the product, how you use it and whether you also smoke cigarettes. Some effects are well documented, while the risk of certain diseases after decades of use is still being studied. [1] [2]

What are the risks of vaping?

Nicotine dependence. Vaping nicotine can lead to cravings, tolerance and withdrawal symptoms when you cut down or stop. [1]
Respiratory symptoms. Vaping can cause coughing, a dry mouth, throat irritation and, for some people, shortness of breath. [3]
Exposure to harmful substances. The aerosol can contain fine particles and metals such as nickel and lead. Heating the liquid can also produce harmful aldehydes, even when the liquid contains no nicotine. [1] [6] [7]
Short-term increases in heart rate and blood pressure. Studies in people who smoked observed these changes immediately after they used nicotine e-cigarettes. [10]
Risks for teens and during pregnancy. Nicotine can harm adolescent brain development and fetal development. [9]
Exposure for people nearby. Vaping indoors releases particles that other people can breathe in. Depending on the product, the aerosol can also contain nicotine. [6] [10]
Poisoning and burns. Swallowing nicotine liquid or spilling it on the skin can cause poisoning. Young children are especially vulnerable. Faulty batteries can cause burns, fires or explosions. [10] [11]
Vaping-associated lung injury (EVALI). The 2019 U.S. outbreak was linked mostly to vaping products containing THC, and investigators identified vitamin E acetate as a key factor. [10] [12]

Researchers are still studying the risk of cancer and chronic heart or lung disease after years of vaping. Exposure studies and short-term studies help identify potential harms. Estimating long-term disease risk also requires looking at the product, how often people use it and whether they smoke or used to smoke. [10] [13]

What do you inhale when you vape?

A drop of liquid, a cutaway showing the heating coil, and aerosol coming out of the mouthpiece. — The heating coil heats the liquid, producing an aerosol of particles and droplets.

Depending on the product, the aerosol can contain nicotine, fine particles, volatile chemicals and metals such as nickel or lead. Its composition varies between devices and liquids. A mild flavor or pleasant smell tells you little about what you are breathing in. [1] [2]

Some people notice a cough, dryness or irritation in the mouth or throat. If symptoms persist, a healthcare professional can help you look into what is causing them. [3]

Why nicotine matters

With repeated use, your body can get used to nicotine. You may feel strong urges to vape or find yourself doing it more often. When cutting down, some people feel irritable, sleep less well or have trouble concentrating for a while. These can be signs of withdrawal. [1]

Even nicotine-free liquid produces aerosol. The World Health Organization has also reported finding nicotine in some products labeled nicotine-free. [2]

What if you also smoke cigarettes?

If you have never smoked, starting to vape introduces a new exposure. For adults who smoke, switching completely from cigarettes to a nicotine vape can reduce exposure to several toxic substances in cigarette smoke. Using both products still exposes you to tobacco smoke. [1] [3] [4]

A U.S. study found lower levels of several exposure markers in adults who only vaped than in those who only smoked. Those markers tell us about exposure. Understanding how disease risk changes takes different studies and longer follow-up. [4]

If vaping helped you stop smoking, plan how you will stay smoke-free as you take your next step. If you are worried about returning to cigarettes, consider talking with a healthcare professional or a stop-smoking service. [5]

If you have decided to cut down

Start by noticing when you vape. You may remember your first session of the day and lose track of how often you reach for your vape at work or at night. Logging sessions can help you spot the pattern. Your exposure also depends on what you inhale and how you use the device. [1] [2]

For practical next steps, read How to quit vaping. If you are still working out what matters to you, start with Reasons to quit vaping.

Sources

Accessed November 5, 2026.