The Hidden Dangers of Vaping
Written by:
Ryan Terrigan, BS, RRT, RPSGT, RST, SDS - Contributor to the American Lung Association’s Caregiver’s Guide for COPD and Manager Respiratory Therapy Pomerene Hospital
And
Kelly Dremann, MPH, CHES, Tobacco Cessation Coordinator
Holmes County General Health District
In Ohio, 6.4% of middle school students and 18.8% of high school students report current e-cigarette use. 21.9% of Ohio young adults aged 18-24 report current use of vapes as well. Coming in brightly colored packages with flavors like Cotton Candy and Blue Raspberry, e-cigarettes are made to appeal to younger groups. Vaping may look modern and harmless, but behind the fruity flavors and sleek designs lies a serious health threat, especially for teens and young adults. Many of them may not realize that the flavorings, nicotine, and other substances found in vapes can put their health at risk in the short and long term.
Short-Term Effects: The Immediate Damage You Don’t See
Nicotine addiction is an urgent concern. Nicotine, the addictive chemical in all tobacco products, is unsafe for young people because the brain is not fully developed until about age twenty-five. Due to this, young people become addicted to nicotine more quickly than adults. High levels of nicotine in vapes also lead to quicker addiction. For example, Elf Bar is one of the most popular vape brands among youth. The Elf Bar BC5000 vape has 650mg of nicotine, or the same amount of nicotine as about 590 cigarettes. It is hard to quit vaping once addicted, and continued use leads to other problems. The U.S. Surgeon General warns that exposure to nicotine when the brain is still developing can impair attention, learning, memory, and emotional regulation. It also increases the risk for future addiction.
From the first inhale, vaping begins to harm the respiratory system. Most e-liquids have nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerin, and flavorings. These chemicals were never meant to be inhaled into the lungs. A 2018 Tobacco Control study found that even brief exposure increases airway resistance and inflammation, especially in young people. Symptoms can appear early. These include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.
Another health concern is E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use Associated Lung Injury (EVALI) . EVALI is a lung condition that became known in 2019 when thousands were hospitalized. Many EVALI cases involved vaping THC products laced with vitamin E acetate. Still, the outbreak proved a key point: inhaling unknown substances is dangerous.
Vaping can cause other short-term side effects. These include headaches, dizziness, nausea, dry mouth, and elevated heart rate. These symptoms are risky for individuals with undiagnosed cardiovascular conditions.
Long-Term Effects: The Unseen Risks That Linger
Though vaping is still fairly new, research is starting to reveal troubling patterns long term. A 2019 study in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that individuals who vape are more likely to suffer from heart attacks and coronary artery disease. Chemicals in vape aerosols have been shown to harden arteries, raise blood pressure, and strain the cardiovascular system.
The lungs are also affected. A 2020 Pediatrics study found that young people who vape are much more likely to report chronic bronchitis symptoms. Repeated exposure increases the long-term risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other serious respiratory conditions.
Cancer risk is another concern. Chemicals known to cause cancer, such as formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, are in some vape liquids. While the risk may be lower than traditional cigarettes, continued use over time leads to a greater risk of harm.
Mental, Social, and Behavioral Toll
Vaping disrupts mental health. Youths who vape often report increased anxiety, depression, and irritability. The cycle of cravings and withdrawal can affect sleep, academic performance, and personal relationships. Rather than provide relief from stress, nicotine use often intensifies it through deepening dependence.
Socially, the discreet design of vaping devices and their appealing flavors lead to widespread use in schools. The most common reason a youth gives for trying a vape is that a friend uses them. According to the 2023 National Youth Tobacco Survey, over 2 million middle and high school students in the United States currently use e-cigarettes, many without a full understanding of the health risks.
The Bottom Line
Vaping is not safe. It’s not cool. It’s not harmless. It’s a silent epidemic reshaping the health of a generation. Parents, educators, and health professionals have a critical role to play, through awareness, conversation, and action. The lungs, minds, and futures of young people are on the line.
Whether you want to prevent youth vaping with a proactive conversation or you are concerned a youth may already be vaping, Live Vape Free can help. Live Vape Free is a free program that helps youths aged 13-17 and young adults aged 18-26 quit vaping. It also has an Adult Advocacy Program that includes videos about vaping and how to talk to youths about quitting. Go to livevapefree.com to learn more or enroll.
| Contact: Kelly Dremann Tobacco Cessation Coordinator 330-674-5035 kdremann@holmeshealth.org |