E-cigarettes and vaping

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes or vapes) imitate the act of smoking, but they do not burn tobacco. Instead, an e-cigarette is a battery-powered device that heats liquid into an aerosol, which the user then inhales into the lungs. That aerosol is often called “vapor,” and inhaling it from an e-cigarette is known as “vaping.” When using an e-cigarette, the person inhales and exhales the vapor, which can look similar to cigarette smoke.

Do e-cigarettes help people quit smoking?#

Some people report that e-cigarettes helped them quit smoking, but there are other proven, safe, and effective options that should be tried first. In many places, e-cigarettes have not been approved as a medicine to help people stop smoking. This is because their quality and safety have not been thoroughly tested, and it is not clear whether they actually help people quit.

There is also a risk that vaping leads to smoking. Research suggests that young people who start using e-cigarettes, having never smoked, are around three times more likely to take up tobacco smoking.

Health impacts of e-cigarette use#

Potential harmful effects of e-cigarette use include:

• nicotine poisoning, addiction, and overdose
• lung injuries
• trauma and burns from faulty parts
• uptake of smoking, particularly by young people and non-smokers

E-cigarettes available in shops are often made up of many parts sourced from different places, which makes it difficult to assess the safety of the overall product. Many have not been tested or approved by health authorities, so their safety cannot be guaranteed.

Health experts are concerned about the chemicals in e-cigarettes. Even where it is illegal to sell e-cigarettes and e-liquids containing nicotine, there is no guarantee that a product is nicotine-free. Incorrect labeling is common, and products can be wrongly labeled as not containing nicotine. In fact, a single vape can contain the nicotine equivalent of many cigarettes.

E-cigarettes can also contain a complex mix of chemicals, including nicotine, nickel, tin, arsenic, chlorine, and lead. These substances can be harmful to the body, and flavorings can help mask them as they are inhaled.

Why nicotine is a particular concern#

Nicotine is a poison that is especially dangerous if swallowed or inhaled by young children, and it has caused poisoning and even death when swallowed by infants. It is also highly addictive. Use by teenagers can have a long-term effect on brain development, which continues until about the age of 25. Nicotine can affect learning, memory, and attention, and may increase the likelihood of addiction to other drugs later in life.

The fine particle matter (PM) emitted by e-cigarettes is also potentially dangerous to those who inhale it. Just as second-hand smoke harms people who share a contained space with smokers, inhaling this particle matter can contribute to problems such as asthma attacks and heart disease.

Staying safe around e-cigarettes#

People who use e-cigarettes should:

• avoid vaping around children
• always store e-cigarettes and e-liquids out of reach of children when not in use

Rules on e-cigarettes#

In many places, e-cigarettes are increasingly regulated in a similar way to tobacco products. This can mean that they cannot be used in areas where smoking is banned, and that their sale is restricted or requires a prescription. Rules vary, so check the regulations that apply where you live. Where products are sold unlawfully, this can usually be reported to the relevant local authority.

Getting help to quit#

If you or someone you know would like help to quit vaping and stop using e-cigarettes, support is available. Speak to a doctor, pharmacist, or other health professional about quitting options that are right for you.

Key points#

• E-cigarettes heat liquid into an aerosol that is inhaled; they do not burn tobacco, but the vapor is not harmless.
• They are not widely approved as a quit-smoking aid, and proven, safer options should be tried first.
• Products are often poorly tested and can be mislabeled, and many contain nicotine and other harmful chemicals.
• Nicotine is highly addictive and especially dangerous to children and developing brains, so e-cigarettes and e-liquids should be kept out of children’s reach.

Where to get help#