E-cigarettes simulate the act of smoking but do not burn tobacco. Instead, an e-cigarette is a battery-powered device that heats a liquid into an aerosol, which is then inhaled into the lungs. Using an e-cigarette is sometimes called vaping.
The liquid used inside an e-cigarette is called e-liquid, and is also known as e-juice or vape juice. E-liquids may contain nicotine, as well as propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin or glycerol, other chemicals (including those used to create flavors) and, in some cases, water.
The ingredients in e-liquid products may not be labeled thoroughly or accurately, and products are not always sold in safe, child-resistant packaging. There is no guarantee that an e-liquid labeled “non-nicotine” is actually free of nicotine, and it may not be possible to know what other chemicals it contains.
What are the dangers of e-cigarettes and e-liquids?#
The full health effects of inhaling the vapor from e-liquids are not yet known. Potential dangers include:
- Harm from inhaling e-liquid chemicals as an aerosol. The effects of inhaling the various chemicals used in e-liquids are often unknown. For example, some flavorings may be safe to eat in food but not safe to inhale.
- Inhalation of particulate matter. The fine particles produced by e-cigarettes may be harmful to the user and to others nearby who breathe it in second-hand, just as passive smoking is harmful in a shared space. Inhaling particulate matter can contribute to asthma attacks and heart disease.
- Inaccurate labeling. E-liquids may not be labeled correctly, and products labeled “nicotine-free” may still contain nicotine.
- Unsafe packaging. E-liquids are not always sold in child-resistant packaging. Bottles and containers can be easily opened by children, and the liquid may spill or leak.
- Swallowing e-liquid. Ingesting e-liquid can cause poisoning and can be fatal, especially when swallowed by children.
E-cigarette and e-liquid safety around children#
If you use an e-cigarette:
- Do not use or discard your e-cigarette in front of children.
- Keep it where children cannot see or reach it.
- When you are not using it, lock it away.
What to do if e-liquid is swallowed#
If you are worried that a child has swallowed liquid from an e-cigarette, contact your local poison information center for advice.
If the person is very unwell, has collapsed, has stopped breathing, is having a seizure or is having an anaphylactic reaction, call your local emergency number (for example 911 in the US and Canada, 112 across the EU and many countries, 999 in the UK, or 000 in Australia) for an ambulance immediately.
E-cigarettes and the law#
The sale and supply of e-cigarettes and e-liquids are regulated, and the rules vary from place to place. In some areas they can only be supplied under certain conditions or with a prescription. Check the laws that apply where you live before buying or using these products.
Key points#
- E-cigarettes heat a liquid into an aerosol that is inhaled; this is often called vaping.
- E-liquids may contain nicotine and other chemicals, and labeling and packaging are not always reliable.
- The long-term health effects of vaping are not yet fully known.
- Store e-liquids safely away from children, as swallowing them can cause serious poisoning.
Where to get help#
Sources & further reading
For evidence-based global guidance on this topic, consult authoritative public-health bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO), CDC, NHS, and ECDC.