Health effects of electronic cigarettes

The health effects of e-cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are generally claimed to be less than those of smoking, but worse than not smoking at all. However, health is a function not only of the inhaled materials, but of how and how often the products are used, over what period, manufacturing/distribution quality control, marketing, the regulatory environment, and the actual user population. Reported risks include exposure to toxic chemicals, increased likelihood of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and accelerated cancer development.

The public health community is divided over the use of these devices to reduce/prevent smoking. As of 2017 they were not approved by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a smoking cessation product. In the United Kingdom, a 2021 review by Public Health England (PHE) reported vaping to be around 95% less harmful than smoking.

A 2019 review concluded that the risk of early death was similar to that of smokeless tobacco. In addition, e-cigarette marketing has been attacked for not focusing on smoking cessation.

Vaping carries some level of health risks. E-cigarette aerosols can affect drug dependency, as well as psychological, respiratory, cardiovascular, immunologic, and central nervous systems. Studies have reported that e-cigarettes reduce lung function (versus not smoking), reduce cardiac muscle function, and increase inflammation.

THC-containing e-cigarettes were deemed responsible for the 2019–20 vaping lung illness outbreak in North America that led to 68 deaths and was linked to vitamin E acetate in the e-liquid. Misuse and accidents increase risks such as nicotine poisoning, contact with liquid nicotine, and fires caused by product malfunction.

E-cigarettes

This section is an excerpt from Electronic cigarette.[edit]

A first-generation e-cigarette that resembles a tobacco cigarette, with a battery portion that can be disconnected and recharged using the USB power charger

Various types of e-cigarettes from 2015, including a disposable e-cigarette, a rechargeable e-cigarette, a medium-size tank device, large-size tank devices, an e-cigar, and an e-pipe

An electronic cigarette (e-cigarette), or vape, is a device that simulates smoking. It consists of an atomizer, a power source such as a battery, and a container such as a cartridge or tank. Instead of smoke, the user inhales vapor. As such, using an e-cigarette is often called "vaping".

The atomizer is a heating element that vaporizes a liquid solution called e-liquid that cools into an aerosol of tiny droplets, vapor and air. The vapor mainly comprises propylene glycol and/or glycerin, usually with nicotine and flavoring. Its exact composition varies, and depends on matters such as user behavior. E-cigarettes are activated by taking a puff or pressing a button. Some look like traditional cigarettes, and most kinds are reusable.

This section is an excerpt from Construction of electronic cigarettes § Composition.[edit]

Various bottles of e-liquid

Various e-liquids offer different nicotine strengths and flavors.

Common ingredients are propylene glycol, glycerin, flavorings, and nicotine. Propylene glycol and glycerin typically comprise 95% , with the remaining 5% combining flavorings, nicotine, and other additives. Flavorings may contain menthol, sugars, esters, and pyrazines. Flavor components include diacetyl, acetoin, and 2,3-pentanedione (buttery flavor), eucalyptol, camphor and cyclohexanone (minty flavor), cinnamaldehyde (cinnamon flavor), benzaldehyde (cherry or almond flavor), cresol (leathery or medicinal flavor), butyraldehyde (chocolate flavor), and isoamyl acetate (banana flavor), methyl salicylate, pulegone, ethyl salicylate, eugenol, diphenyl ether, and coumarin. A 2017 review added 1,3-butanediol, 1,3-propanediol, ethylene and diethylene glycol, safrole, ethyl vanillin, and α-thujone to the list of ingreidents.

Caffeinated e-liquids typically contain considerably less caffeine than dietary products. E-liquids are available with vitamins or cannabis flavors. E-cigarettes (mods) are available that can vaporize herbs, oils, or fruits. Dual-function devices handle both concentrates and e-liquids using multiple cartridges.

More than 90% of e-liquids contain nicotine. Some are unflavored. Water replaces propylene glycol in some products. E-liquids may contain THC or other cannabinoids. Some e-liquids contain a little alcohol.

E-liquids are not required to use only US Pharmacopeia grade nicotine, a tobacco plant, or tobacco dust extract, or a synthetic nicotine. Nicotine levels vary. A user survey reported that 97% of respondents used nicotine e-liquids.

A 2016 study reported that measurable amounts of arsenic, nickel and other metals were present in some e-liquids. Over 80 chemicals, including formaldehyde and metallic nanoparticles were reported in e-liquids (2019). E-liquid can contain toxicants and impurities. A 2013 study reported as high as five times the permitted levels of impurities. E-liquids contained low levels of some of tobacco smoke toxicants and small concentrations of carcinogens.

An empty 510 thread cartridge which can be filled with liquid solution and used with compatible vape batteries

In 2009, FDA reported tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs), diethylene glycol, cotinine, anabasine, myosmine, and beta-nicotyrine in e-liquids. TSNAs N-nitrosonornicotine (NNN), 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK), N-nitrosoanabasine, and nitrosoanatabine were detected in five e-liquid samples from two companies at levels comparable to other nicotine replacement products. TSNAs present in tobacco smoke were reported in trace amounts. A 2013 review of other e-liquids did not detect diethylene glycol. The majority of the e-liquids analyzed contained NNN from 0.34 to 60.08 μg/L and NNK from 0.22 to 9.84 μg/L. The FDA warned several e-cigarette companies for selling e-cartridges and refill solutions containing active pharmaceutical ingredients such as rimonabant (Zimulti) for weight loss purposes and reducing smoking, and tadalafil (for erictile dysfunction). FDA analyses reported the presence of am,ino-tadalafil rather than tadalafil, and rimonabant and one of its oxidative products.

E-liquids often contain unknown and/or undisclosed substances.

Poor quality control may allow nicotine and TSNAs to be present in e-liquids labelled 'no nicotine'. Some e-liquid were reported to contain low levels of anthracene, phenanthrene, 1-methyl phenanthrene and pyren. A 2015 study reported hydrocarbons, terpenic compounds and aldehydes, particularly formaldehyde and acrolein in some e-liquids.

A 2014 study reported that e-liquids from a specific manufacturer contained greater amounts of ethylene glycol than glycerin or propylene glycol, possibly the result of improper manufacturing methods. A 2015 study reported finding solvents such as 1,3-butadiene, cyclohexane, and acetone in e-liquids. A 2016 study reported that some e-liquids contained tobacco alkaloids such as nornicotine, anabasine, anatabine, and TSNAs, such as N-nitrosonornicotine (NNN), 4-(methylnitrosamine)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK), nitrates, and phenol. A 2014 study reported small quantities of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene, toluene, xylene, and styrene. Diethyl phthalate and diethylhexyl phthalate have been found in e-liquids. Some e-liquids contain tin "whiskers," microscopic crystals that originate from tin in solder joints.

Safety context

When evaluating the health effects of some activity, a reasonable question is "what is the practical alternative?" If the answer is smoking, the answer might be different than if the answer is simply avoiding nicotine. This is because the health impacts of smoking are strongly negative, while the impact of avoiding nicotine without any support is unreservedly positive.

In June 2014, the UK Royal College of Physicians stated, "e-cigarettes could lead to significant falls in the prevalence of smoking in the UK, prevent many deaths and episodes of serious illness, and help to reduce the social inequalities in health that tobacco smoking currently exacerbates." A 2017 National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline did not recommend e-cigarettes due to concerns regarding safety, efficacy, and product quality.

The American Cancer Society stated, "The makers of e-cigarettes say that the ingredients are 'safe,' but this only means the ingredients have been reported to be safe to eat. Inhaling a substance is not the same as swallowing it. There are questions about how safe it is to inhale some substances in the e-cigarette vapor into the lungs."

Smoking

E-cigarette vapor does not contain tobacco and does not involve combustion, therefore users do not encounter several unquestionably harmful constituents of tobacco smoke, such as ash, tar, and carbon monoxide. A 2014 review concluded that e-cigarette aerosol contains far fewer carcinogens than tobacco smoke, and concluded that e-cigarettes "impart a lower potential disease burden" than traditional cigarettes.

Smokers can use e-cigarettes for various purposes. As an aid to quitting smoking, vaping is a temporary activity that reduces smoking and terminates once the smoker has completed the transition away from nicotine. Alternatively, smokers can substitute or complement smoking with vaping without intending to transition, meaning that any negative effects are not temporary. In the latter context, the relative risks of vaping vs smoking are of great importance. Furthermore, allowing vaping in public places may undermine smoking regulations. Other smoker-transition aids are available and may offer better safety and/or effectiveness profiles then vaping. Given equal effectiveness, relatively safety considerations would become paramount.

Abstinence

JUUL e-cigarette with a battery and differently flavored pods

Vaping presents safety risks that are definitionally higher than those of simple abstinence, as they have no independent health benefits. This comparison is relevant because some users adopt e-cigarettes for the nicotine (or cannabinoids), even though they have never smoked. Once nicotine dependence is established, users may be more likely to take up smoking.

Individual effects

Health effects for non-smokers must be considered in absolute terms for long-term use as well as the risk of transition into traditiion cigarettes, while for smokers the relative risks are paramount, and if used as a quitting aid, any effects of short-term use are most important.

Non-smokers

E-cigarettes create nicotine dependence in non-smokers. E-cigarettes may act as a gateway drug. This is particularly significant among youth who have no experience with addictive drugs. A 2016 review concluded that nicotine exposure harms youths' growing brains. Pregnant or nursing women and the elderly are more sensitive to nicotine than other individuals.

Smokers

Used as a transition to abstinence, e-cigarettes end the consumption of nicotine and the other harmful substances in tobacco smoke and later any harmful e-liquid ingredient. However, if transition is unsuccessful, e-cigarettes could mean increased nicotine dependence (by combining smoking and vaping) and ongoing harm from other e-liquid ingredients.

Health benefits associated with transitioning from smoking to vaping include decreased post-smoking weight gain and improved exercise tolerance.

Even a partially successful transition may allow smokers to reduce their cigarette consumption and related health effects. A 2022 Cochrane review concluded that vaping increased quit rates compared to e-cigarettes without nicotine and compared to nicotine replacement therapy, although it did not compare vaping to other methods.

A 2018 review concluded that child vapers had a higher likelihood of more and more significant adverse effects than child smokers. Significant harmful effects included cyanosis, nausea, and coma.

The relative safety of electronic versus conventional cigarettes is disputed. 2015 and 2018 Public Health England (PHE) reports claimed that vaping is "at least 95% less harmful than smoking". The Royal College of Physicians, the Royal Society for Public Health, and the National Health Service backed these claims. The estimate was limited by "lack of hard evidence for the harms of most products on most of the criteria". The research was funded by EuroSwiss Health and was criticized for its weak methodology, lack of specific evidence, and for financial ties to the tobacco industry. The estimate was disputed in medical journals. Reviews in 2016 and 2018 claimed that the harm from e-cigarettes is much higher than the "95% safer" figure.

A 2025 RCP review reported that e-cigarettes sold in England (which allow nicotine strength of no more than 20 mg/ml) are unlikely to exceed 5% of the harm of cigarettes for non-pregnant adults. This claim is consistent with the 2018 view of the US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. A 2013 review did not claim that vaping reduced nicotine consumption vs smoking.

General risks

Battery explosions can be caused by thermal runaway and may cause burns or other injuries.

Nicotine poisoning can occur by ingestion, inhalation, or absorption via the skin or eyes.

E-liquid exposure can come by leaks or spills.

A 2018 review concluded that exposure to vapor can reduce lung function.

Adverse effects are mostly associated with short-term use and the reported adverse effects decreased over time.

Airways

Potential adverse effects include airway resistance, irritation of the airways, eyes redness, dry throat, and increase in allergic airway inflammation with elevated infiltration of inflammatory cells including eosinophils into airways. A 2015 study reported that short-term adverse effects reported most often were mouth and throat irritation, dry cough, and nausea. Dryness of the mouth and throat is believed to stem from water absorption by propylene glycol and glycerin.

Throat irritation could be the result of exposure to nicotine, nicotine solvents, or toxicants in the aerosol.

A 2016 study reported nose bleeds, change in bronchial gene expression, release of cytokines and proinflammatory mediators.

Neurological

A 2013 report to the FDA identified minor headache, chest pain, nausea, and cough as side effects. Major adverse events included hospitalizations for pneumonia, congestive heart failure, seizure, rapid heart rate, and burns. However, no causal relationship to vaping was proven. Many effects on the nervous and the sensory systems are possibly related to nicotine overdose or withdrawal. However, a study led by Raphael E. Cuomo in 2024 utilizing a sample of 4,695 current and former e-cigarette users found that the most common short-term adverse effects of e-cigarette use were neurological, with headache and anxiety as the two most commonly reported adverse effects.

A 2016 study reported that an e-liquid containing 23% alcohol was linked to reduced performance on the Purdue Pegboard Test.

A 2017 study reported harm to neurons and tremors and spasms.

Injuries

Graphic from an October 2014 United States Fire Administration (USFA) report entitled Electronic Cigarette Fires and Explosions. The USFA said that 25 fires and explosions in the US were the result of e-cigarette use between 2009 and August 2014.

E-cigarettes typically use lithium batteries, which may fail if defective or misused. A 2015 PHE report concluded that fire risks from e-cigarettes "appear to be comparable to similar electrical goods". In 2018 PHE reported six UK case studies involving e-cigarettes with burns. E-liquid ingredients may be flammable. A 2014 review claimed that some users add more or larger batteries to nonadjustable e-cigarettes, which may lead to battery leakage or explosion.

A 2016 study reported that the explosion risk was low. Another 2016 study assembled reports of 92 explosion, fire, or overheating events, with related injuries in 47 individuals. Prominent harms included 2 cervical vertebral fractures, 1 palate fracture, 3 instances of damaged teeth, 33 thermal burns, 4 chemical burns, and 5 lacerations. A 2017 study reported that most e-cigarette fires are triggered by batteries overheating and igniting.

An e-cigarette explosion or fire can induce serious burns and harms that need medical treatment. Explosions have resulted in lost teeth, neck fractures, and burns from combustion and/or battery acid. Reported burns covered from 1% to 8% of body area. They were most commonly reported in the lower extremity, hands, head and neck, and genitalia. Explosions in some cases produced 2nd and 3rd degree burns. A review concluded that some 50% needed surgical management. The most common harms are burns as a result of explosion while carrying an e-cigarette.

A 2017 review concluded, "Several of the reported cases show that 'the battery in pocket' precedes the incident. The damp environment in the pocket may have sufficient moisture to start a chemical reaction within the lithium-ion battery and the presence of metal objects can produce short-circuit which can over heat the battery leading to an explosion." Burn risk extends to bystanders. Property may also be damaged.

Graphic from a July 2016 United States Fire Administration (USFA) report entitled Electronic Cigarette Fires and Explosions in the United States 2009 – 2016. There has been an increase in the number of severe and moderate injuries resulting from e-cigarette explosions and fires since 2014. The USFA noted that this appears to correlate well with the e-cigarette sales trend.

The United States Fire Administration reported 195 occasions of e-cigarette fires and explosions between January 2009 and December 2016. These incidents resulted in 133 acute injuries, of which 38 (29 percent) were severe. A 2017 review concluded that 80% of e-cigarette explosions occurred during battery charging, many by 3rd-party power adaptors that used inappropriately high charge rates that led to thermal runaway. Some third-party vendors assemble e-cigarettes from incompatible parts that do not meet manufacturers' specifications. Batteries are typically cylindrical, with the least strongest structural points at the ends. Given a battery seal breach, the ends may accelerate away.

E-cigarette device explodes in man's pocket while on bus in California.

A 35-year-old otherwise healthy male sustained a 2% total body surface area burn to his right lateral thigh when an e-cigarette device in the right back pocket of his pants spontaneously combusted, burning a hole through his pants.

Burn events while on home oxygen therapy have been reported, leading Health Canada in 2014 to warn of fire risk. The heating element in vaping devices can get hot enough to ignite in the presence of oxygen.

Poisoning

Symptoms of nicotine poisoning related to e-cigarette calls to US poison control centers

E-cigaratte nicotine poisoning occurs via ingestion, inhalation, or absorption via the skin or eyes.

Such poisoning is apparently rare, suggested by the fact that reviews highlight individual cases. In 2014, an infant died from choking on an e-cigarette component. As of 2016 four adults were reported to have died in the US and Europe after intentionally ingesting e-liquid. Two children, one in the US in 2014 and another in Israel in 2013, died after ingesting liquid nicotine. A two-year-old girl in the UK in 2014 was hospitalized after licking an e-cigarette liquid refill.

A 2022 concluded that toxicity can come from aerosols containing toxic chemicals or excessive concentrations of nicotine as an e-liquid.

A 2014 review concluded that users may alter e-liquid contents, adding substances such as alcohol or nicotine, possibly making them toxic.

As of 2014, calls to US poison control centers involved inhalations, eye exposures, skin exposures, and ingestion, in both adults and children. A 2016 study reported minor, moderate, and serious adverse effects. Minor effects correlated with e-liquid poisoning were tachycardia, tremor, chest pain and hypertension. More serious effects were bradycardia, hypotension, nausea, respiratory paralysis, atrial fibrillation and dyspnea. Initial symptoms included rapid heart rate, sweating, feeling sick, and vomiting. Delayed symptoms included low blood pressure, seizures, and hypoventilation. Rare serious effects included coma, seizure, trouble breathing, and heart attack. After examining poison control centers' reports between 2010 and early 2019, FDA reported that, between the poison control centers and FDA, 35 cases of seizures mentioned use of e-cigarettes.

From 2011-2019, cases of accidental poisoning from nicotine e-liquids grew rapidly in the US. From September 1, 2010, to December 31, 2014, 58% of e-cigarette calls to US poison control centers were related to children under 6. In 2014 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 51.1% of the calls to US poison centers due to e-cigarettes were related to children under age 5, and while 42% of calls were related to people age 20 and older. E-cigarette calls had a greater chance to report an adverse effect and a greater chance to report a moderate or major adverse effect than traditional cigarette calls. Severe outcomes were more than 2.5 times more frequent in children exposed to e-cigarettes and nicotine e-liquid than with traditional cigarettes.

Poison control center calls in the US related to e-cigarettes was one call per month in September 2010 to 215 calls per month in February 2014.

US poison control centers reported that 92.5% of children who came in contact with nicotine e-liquid swallowed it during the period from January 2012 to April 2017.

Most frequent adverse effects from ingestion

Effect	Frequency (%)
vomiting	40.4
eye irritation or pain	20.3
nausea	16.8
red eye or conjunctivitis	10.5
dizziness	7.5
tachycardia	7.1
drowsiness	7.1
agitation	6.3
headache	4.8
cough	4.5

In 2016 American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) reported 2,907 exposures regarding e-cigarettes and liquid nicotine. The yearly nicotine exposure rate in the US involving children went up by 1,398% from 2012 to 2015, later dropping by 20% from 2015 to 2016. In 2017 the National Poison Data System stated that exposures to e-cigarettes and liquid nicotine among young children was rising significantly.

Cannabinoids

Cannabinoid-enriched e-liquids require sophisticated processing, and may lack information on quality control, expiry date, conditions of preservation, or toxicological/clinical assessment. It is assumed that vaporizing cannabinoids at lower temperatures is safer because it produces smaller amounts of toxicants than a traditional cigarette. As of 2015 the health effects specific cannabinoid vaping was unknown. However, cannabinoid e-cigarettes mixed with other diluents and chemicals including vitamin E acetate was associated with the onset of e-cigarette associated lung injury (EVALI). However, EVALI prevalence and cannabinoid e-cigarettes are not clearly associated.

Public health effects

Various studies rate the public health impacts of vaping as far less negative than those of smoking.

Second-hand vapor

E-cigarette emissions are not comparable to cigarette smoke as their chemical composition is completely different. Vapor content varies depending on the e-liquid, the device, and usage. Exhaled vapor consists of mixtures of nicotine, ultrafine particles, primarily propylene glycol, glycerin, flavorings, and aroma transporters, aldehydes, and volatile organic chemicals (VOC) that form a visible fog. The vapor has a half-life of about 10 seconds; smoke last 100 times longer. A 2014 study reported that e-cigarettes increased levels of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the surrounding air.

Vapor particles are larger than smoke particles, with a mean droplet size of 600 nm (inhaled) and 300 nm (exhaled) along with particles with a diameter of around 2.5 μm. Exhaled vapor concentration is 5 times lower than cigarette smoke. Particle density measured 6 to 880 times lower.

One 2015 study reported that exhaled vapor might have significant adverse effects. Another reported that e-cigarettes that do not contain nicotine may also generate hazardous vapors and could present a second-hand risk. A third reported that vapor may include propylene glycol aerosols at levels that can cause eye and respiratory irritation and exceed California Environmental Protection Agency standards. A 2017 study reported that people living with e‐cigarette users had increased salivary nicotine concentrations. Another reported that some non-users reported adverse effects from second-hand vapor.

A 2016 survey reported that nearly half of middle and high school students had been exposed.

As of 2014 neither the long-term nor short-term health effects from exhaled vapor were known. A 2017 review concluded that the few studies that examined the effect of indoor air quality on human test subjects in natural settings produced inconsistent results. As of 2018 limited only information of the effects of exhaled vapor on children was available.

Aerosol (vapor) exhaled by an e-cigarette user may expose non-users to second-hand vapor.

Between January 2012 and December 2014, FDA published 35 adverse effect reports regarding second-hand vapor exposure.

A 2018 study reported PM_2.5 levels in a large hotel event room (4,023m³) increased from 2–3 μg/m³ to as high as 819 μg/m³ (interquartile range: 761–975 μg/m³) when 59–86 people were vaping. This level exceeded the US Environmental Protection Agency annual time-weighted standard for PM_2.5 of 12 μg/m³.

A 2018 review concluded that bystanders absorb nicotine when people around them use e-cigarettes at levels comparable with exposure to second-hand smoke. It included a study comparing non-smokers living with vapers, with smokers, and non-users (controls). That study found cotinine (a nicotine metabolite) levels in urine were significantly elevated in the first two groups vs the controls, but were not significantly different, despite the fact that air pollution levels in the smokers' homes was much higher than in the vapers' homes (geometric mean air nicotine concentrations of 0.13 μg/m³ in e-cigarette users' homes, 0.74 μg/m³ in smokers' homes, and 0.02 μg/m³ in the control homes). A 2014 practice guideline by NPS MedicineWise stated that serum cotinine levels were similar in bystanders exposed to either vapour or smoke.

In 2014, several groups came out against e-cigarettes. The International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease stated, "Adverse health effects for exposed third parties (second-hand exposure) cannot be excluded because the use of e-cigarettes leads to emission of fine and ultrafine inhalable liquid particles, nicotine and cancer-causing substances into indoor air." The American Industrial Hygiene Association concluded that "e-cigarettes are not emission-free and that their pollutants could be of health concern for users and those who are exposed secondhand....[T]heir use in the indoor environment should be restricted, consistent with current smoking bans, until and unless research documents that they will not significantly increase the risk of adverse health effects to room occupants." Similarly, in 2016 the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) updated its standard for "Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality" to incorporate emissions from e-cigarettes into the definition of "environmental tobacco smoke," which is incompatible with acceptable indoor air quality. A 2017 French "experts statement" recommended banning vaping indoors in public and working areas.

A 2014 WHO report stated passive exposure was a concern, indicating that current evidence is insufficient to determine whether the levels of exhaled vapor are safe to involuntarily exposed bystanders. The report stated that "it is unknown if the increased exposure to toxicants and particles in exhaled aerosol will lead to an increased risk of disease and death among bystanders." A 2016 WHO report stated, "While some argue that exposure to SHA [second-hand aerosol] is unlikely to cause significant health risks, they concede that SHA can be deleterious to bystanders with some respiratory pre-conditions. It is nevertheless reasonable to assume that the increased concentration of toxicants from SHA over background [air] levels poses an increased risk for the health of all bystanders."

A 2013 British Medical Association (BMA) report stated "concerns that the use of e-cigarettes could threaten the norm of not smoking in public places and workplaces". Several medical organizations advocate that vaping be banned in public places and workplaces. A 2014 review concluded it is safe to infer that their effects on bystanders are minimal in comparison to traditional cigarettes. E-cigarette vapor has notably fewer toxicants than cigarette smoke.

A no smoking or vaping sign from the US

A 2015 California Department of Public Health report stated that vapour "has been reported to contain at least ten chemicals that are on California's Proposition 65 list of chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm."

A 2017 study reported that some chemicals could violate workplace safety standards. A review of convention studies concluded that second-hand vapor may be significant, particularly for workers who repeatedly encounter it. Exposure studies suggest that indoor vaping is higher than the smoke-free level put forth by the US Surgeon General and the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

By contrast, a 2014 review concluded that vaping probably much less harmful than traditional cigarettes. Another 2014 review suggested that vapor contaminant levels do not exceed workplace safety standards, and are mostly below 1% of permissible levels. However, workplace standards do not consider more vulnerable groups such as those in poor health, children, and infants. 2 015 PHE report concluded that e-cigarettes "release negligible levels of nicotine into ambient air with no identified health risks to bystanders".

Direct exposure

Direct exposure happens via e-liquid inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, or vapor residue accumulation on surfaces. Direct exposure is almost always inadvertent, and results from improper product use. Exposure can involve much higher concentrations than exhaled vapor.

Exposure may involve a leaking or spilled e-liquid cartridge or bottle.

E-liquid quickly absorbs into the skin and local irritation can follow. Less than 1 tablespoon can cause adverse effects such as seizures, anoxic brain trauma, vomiting, lactic acidosis, cardiac arrest, seizures, or coma. A potentially fatal dose for a child is 0.1–0.2 mg/kg of body weight, or 6 mg. A fatal dose for an adult is 0.5–1 mg/kg or about 30–60 mg. However the widely-used human LD₅₀ estimate of around 0.8 mg/kg was questioned in a 2013 review, in light of documented cases of humans surviving much higher doses; the lower fatal limit was 500–1000 mg of ingested nicotine, which is equivalent to 6.5–13 mg/kg orally.

Vapor build-up

E‐cigarettes can be unsafe to non-users via third-hand exposure, including children, pregnant women, nursing mothers, casino employees, housekeeping employees, and vulnerable groups.

In one scenario, indoor surfaces can accumulate nicotine-laden vapor residue. However, the extent of such contamination has not been established. A 2015 PHE report stated that an infant would have to lick 30 square meters to be exposed to 1 mg of nicotine. As with any potential hazard, childhood exploratory behavior creates risks not faced by others.

Risks to children

Children are more likely to mistake a colorful e-liquid container for a juice container. The US mandates child-proof packaging.

Self-harm

As of 2019 a few incidents of intentional self-harm by ingesting or injecting e-liquids had been reported. Death from intentional nicotine poisoning is almost unknown.

Pets

In 2017, FDA stated that e-cigarette aerosols can cause problems for both users and their pets. Some studies reported that aerosols may provide exposure to higher-than-normal amounts of nicotine and other toxic chemicals, such as formaldehyde. E-cigarettes typically use capsules to contain nicotine. Pets may find and bite them or expose themselves to the liquid refilling solution. In a March 15, 2016, letter to the editor of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Texas Poison Center Network reported 11 cases of dog exposures to e-cigarettes or refills. The Animal Poison Control Center stated that among nicotine toxicity cases in 2012, 4.6% related to e-cigarettes, which increased to 13.6% in 2013.

Transitioning

A 2021 study reported that vapers quit due to health (75%), cost (45%), and perceived COVID-19 risk (24%). Quit methods included gradual reduction (68%), advice from doctors (28%), immediate quitting (24%), or switching to liquids with lower nicotine concentrations (24%).

Manufacturing

A 2014 study reported that e-liquid purity was inconsistent. A 2013 German Cancer Research Center report stated that e-cigarettes cannot be considered safe, in part due to technical flaws such as faulty cartridges, accidental nicotine contact when refilling, and overuse. In 2015 Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration expressed concerns about unreliable dosing, e-liquid quality control, and faulty cartridges.

Some e-cigarettes let users control the amount of vapor and nicotine provided by modifying the battery output voltage. A 2018 study reported that e-cigarettes with greater vapor production were more dangerous to use.

Marketing

Inappropriate marketing messages attract off-target audiences. The tobacco industry markets e-cigarettes to get around clean indoor air laws. US tobacco manufacturers such as Altria Group, Reynolds American, and Lorillard participate in e-cigarette markets. Absent alternative sources, vaping sustains the tobacco industry. A 2017 review concluded that the "Increased concentration of the ENDS market in the hands of the transnational tobacco companies is concerning to the public health community, given the industry's legacy of obfuscating many fundamental truths about their products and misleading the public with false claims, including that low-tar and so-called 'light' cigarettes would reduce the harms associated with smoking." Children may mistake colorful e-liquid bottles for candy.

Advertising and promotion asserted that vaping presented little risk to bystanders. E-cigarettes were marketed as "free of primary and second-hand smoke risk" because no carbon monoxide or tar is emitted, as nothing is burned (oxidized).

Regulation

Regulations are intended to protect public health and to reduce the growing use of electronic cigarettes among youth. Some countries have banned e-cigarettes. A 2024 review concluded that taxation, banning some flavorings, licensing sales and label warnings decreased the incidence of youth vaping. Although no single regulation has been reported to be the most effective, regulation can decrease incidence.

United States

In the US, FDA regulates products made or derived from tobacco under the "claims of therapeutic benefit" system. An electronic device that delivers vaporized liquids encompasses e-cigarettes, cigars, pipes, hookahs, etc. A modified risk tobacco product (MRTP) is any product that claims to reduce the negative impacts of tobacco-related diseases. Modified risk tobacco products may not be sold unless an FDA order accepts the product's ability to promote public health. Products making medical claims must be demonstrated to be safe and effective. The federal minimum age for purchase of tobacco products is 21 and includes e-cigarettes. As of April 2017, 12 US states and 615 localities had prohibited the use of e-cigarettes in venues in which traditional cigarette smoking was prohibited. In 2024 California banned the sale of many flavored tobacco products.

United Kingdom

Importing e-cigarettes was not restricted as of 2017, even those that did not conform to British Standards when South Wales and Southwest England experienced a series of explosions. Fire service call-outs rose from 43 in 2013 to 62 in 2014.

Bans

As of 2021 Brazil, Uruguay and India had banned e-cigarettes. In the US, flavored e-cigarettes were banned in 2020 after increased adolescent use and deaths. Counterfeit e-cigarettes can be purchased online.

Toxicology

The long-term health impacts of e-cigarette use are unknown, particularly given the variety of EC devices, e‑liquids, and consumption patterns. This specifically applies to nicotine and propylene glycol. Limited peer-reviewed data restricts the scope of toxicological evaluation; their cytotoxicity is unknown. A 2014 review concluded that few e-cigarettes had undergone a thorough toxicology evaluation and testing. A 2013 study claimed that they were similar in toxicity to other nicotine replacement products, but this was disputed. In 2013 the UK National Health Service noted that toxic chemical levels were 0.1% of cigarette smoke.

Carcinogenicity

Concerns about carcinogenicity arise from both nicotine and from other vapor chemicals.

Nicotine

Evidence from in vitro and animal research does not indicate carcinogenicity in vivo. A 2014 Surgeon General report stated that the only relevant randomized trial "does not indicate a strong role for nicotine in promoting carcinogenesis in humans". It concluded that data is insufficient "to conclude that nicotine causes or contributes to cancer in humans, but there is evidence showing possible oral, esophageal, or pancreatic cancer risks". However, a 2014 study suggested that e-cigarette use may be a risk factor for lung cancer. Nicotine in the form of nicotine replacement products is reported to be less of a cancer risk than smoking, and they vaping had not been shown to be associated with cancer.

As of 2015 it was not possible to conclude that nicotine itself is a complete carcinogen. In mice studies with NNK as an initiator, nicotine was reported to act as a promoter after injection or dermal absorption, but not after oral administration. In drinking water experiments, considerable first-pass metabolism of nicotine occurred before nicotine entered systemic circulation. As a result, serum concentration is much lower after ingestion than after intraperitoneal injection administration.

However, nicotine has been reported to promote metastasis by causing cell cycle progression, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and avoidance of apoptosis. Nicotine promotes the growth of blood vessels, which can supply tumors and speed tumor growth. As of 2015, long-term vaping had not been assessed for malignancy in individuals with a susceptibility for tumor growth. The effects of nicotine on the sympathoadrenal system could stimulate growth in cancers already present.

Potential accelerant

Multiple in vitro experiments reported that nicotine in concentrations as low as 1 μM decreased the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects exerted by chemotherapeutics on multiple malignant cell lines. These effects were partially reverted by exposure to α-bungarotoxin (α-BTX), a α7-nAChR inhibitor. During radiotherapy (RT), nicotine administration was reported to increase survival of H460 and A549 lung cancer cells. This effect was likewise reduced by addition of α-BTX prior to nicotine addition and radiation. On this basis, it may be expected that use of nicotine products during cancer treatment reduces the effects due to reactions following interaction of nicotine with α7-nAChR.

Endogenous formation of tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) may occur after absorption of nicotine.

Evidence from in vitro studies on cell cultures, rodents and humans inclusive of epidemiological studies indicate that nicotine may contribute in cancer development by stimulating important processes. Nicotine acts primarily by activation of nicotine acetylcholine receptors (NAR) and nicotine binds to these receptors with a higher affinity than acetylcholine. Furthermore, the tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) NNN (N′-nitrosonornicotine) and the potent lung carcinogen NNK (4-(metylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanon) may be formed from nicotine after oral administration. E-cigarettes deliver NNK. Some evidence indicates that the NNK dose-response curve for cancer is highly nonlinear, with substantial risk at low doses.

A 2015 study reported that urine from vapers had low levels of NNAL (4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol), which may suggest that endogenous formation of TSNA after nicotine inhalation is negligible. That data indicates that TSNA may be formed internally after absorption of nicotine through the oral mucous membranes and through the skin, while formation after lung absorption may be negligible. Thus, the toxicokinetics of nicotine may depend on the administration route.

The interaction of nicotine with NARs activates signaling pathways that trigger multiple reactions, such as increased cell proliferation and cell survival. Although NARs are the primary receptors, nicotine binding to β-ARs and EGFRs may also be important. Nicotine induces epithelial–mesenchymal transition, which is one of the vital steps for the acquisition of malignant phenotype. This transition allows the cell to acquire migratory properties, which may facilitate cancer metastases.

In May 2014, Cancer Research UK stated that very preliminary unpublished results "suggest that e-cigarettes promote tumour growth in human cells."

Nicotine enhanced tumor growth and progression after injection of malignant cells in mice. Enhancements were reported both after exposure by intraperitoneal injection, oral, and skin administration. Moreover, cotinine did also enhance tumor growth. Nicotine may inhibit antitumor immune response. It has been reported that exposure to nicotine adversely affects dendritic cells, a cell type that has an important role in anticancer immunosurveillance. Moreover, in studies on xenograft in mice, nicotine was reported to reduce the effects of radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy.

No long-term research considers the cancer risk related to the relatively small level of exposure to the identified carcinogens in e-cigarette vapor. Their long-term use is anticipated to raise the risk of developing lung cancer. A 2015 study reported carcinogenicity was mainly evident in the lungs, mouth, and throat, which may be associated with nitrosamines, propylene glycol, and some flavoring additives. A 2019 review associated vaping with a possible risk of head and neck cancers.

Since e-liquids are made from tobacco they may contain impurities such cotinine, anabasine, anatabine, myosmine and beta-nicotyrine. The health implications of suchimpurities are not known. A 2016 review concluded, "impurities and nicotine degradation products such as nicotine-cis-N-oxide, nicotine-trans-N-oxide, myosmine, anabasine, and anatabine, which are very carcinogenic, can be reported in e-cigarette refill liquids. The molecules can lead to mutations in genes such as Ras (vital function in signal transduction of cell proliferation), p53 and retinoblastoma (with roles as tumour suppressors) as these molecules can form adducts with cellular DNA." The majority of e-cigarettes evaluated included carcinogenic TSNAs; heavy metals such as cadmium, nickel, and lead; and the carcinogen toluene. However, in comparison to traditional cigarette smoke, the toxic substance levels identified in e-cigarette vapor were 9- to 450-fold less.

Nicotine promotes endothelial cell migration, proliferation, survival, tube formation, and nitric oxide (NO) production in vitro, mimicking the effect of other angiogenic growth factors. In 2001, it was reported that nicotine was a potent angiogenic agent at tissue and plasma concentrations similar to those induced by light to moderate smoking. Angiogenic effects on tumor cells were found in breast, colon, and lung cancers. Similar results were demonstrated in in vivo mouse models of lung cancer, where nicotine significantly increased tumor size and numbers in the lung, and enhanced metastasis. At high enough concentration levels, nicotine becomes cytotoxic.

DNA damage

Nicotine has been reported to damage DMA, assessed by the Escherichia colipol A+/pol− test. A 2015 review concluded that nicotine decreases tumor suppressor Chk2, which is otherwise activated by DNA damage. The Chk2 decrease suggests that nicotine may be capable of overriding DNA damage checkpoint activation, disrupting genetic surveillance, and increasing oncogenesis risks. One 2018 study reported strong evidence that some vapor substances such as formaldehyde and acrolein can induce DNA damage and mutagenesis.

Nicotine can induce chromosomal aberration, chromatid exchange, single-strand DNA strand breaks, and micronuclei in vitro. Oxidative stress is probably involved since the effects are reduced in the presence of antioxidants. The effects decrease after co-incubation with a NAR antagonist, indicating a receptor-dependent pathway for oxidative stress induction.

Vapor triggered DNA strand breaks and lowered cell survival in vitro, regardless of nicotine content. A 2013 study reported that some vapor samples had cytotoxic effects on cardiac muscle cells, (albeit less than those of cigarette smoke). A 2016 review concluded that vapor had adverse effects on primary airway epithelial cells and tumor cell lines, and other epithelial cell lines, that ranged from reducing viability, increase in production of inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress, reduced antimicrobial defences and increased pro-carcinogenic events.

Chart showing various toxicants as measured in cigarette smoke and e-cigarette aerosol

Propylene glycol and glycerin

The propylene glycol molecule

The primary base ingredients of e-liquids are propylene glycol and glycerin. About 20% to 27% of propylene glycol and glycerin-based liquid particles are inhaled. A 2016 study reported that 6% of nicotine, 8% of propylene glycol, and 16% of glycerin was exhaled. As of 2014 the long-term effects of inhaled propylene glycol and glycerin were unknown. Exposure to propylene glycol may cause eye and respiratory tract irritation. Heated and aerosolized propylene glycol can turn into propylene oxide, which the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) labels a possible human carcinogen. A 2014 review concluded that the risk from propylene glycol and glycerin inhalation is probably low, although they have not been demonstrated to be safe. A 2013 German Cancer Center report stated that long-term indoor inhalation of propylene glycol could increase childhood asthma risks. As of 2014, some companies replaced propylene glycol with water and glycerin. A 2019 study reported that inhaled glycerin could cause lipoid pneumonia. A 2017 review concluded that propylene glycol and glycerin increased the amount of hydrogen peroxide.

Acrolein

Some e-liquids produced acrolein in the aerosol (a probable carcinogen), possibly from heated glycerin. A 2014 review concluded that acrolein levels were reduced by 60% in dual users and 80% for those that completely switched to e-cigarettes when compared to traditional cigarettes. Another 2014 review concluded that acrolein may induce irritation to the upper respiratory tract, while a 2014 study reported harm to the lining of the lungs. A 2017 review concluded that acrolein induces oxidative stress and inflammation, disrupting lung endothelial cell barrier function and may lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Another 2017 review stated, "based on the average of 120 puffs/day reported in the literature, our calculated levels of acrolein emitted by e‐cigarette users per day were reported to vary between 0.00792 and 8.94 ppm/day."

Oxidants/reactive oxygen species

A 2015 study reported that vapor created oxidants and reactive oxygen species (OX/ROS). OX/ROS could react with other vaporized substances because they are highly reactive. E-cigarettes were reported to contain OX/ROS at about 100 times less than in cigarette smoke. A 2014 study reported that e-liquids from a specific manufacturer contained greater amounts of ethylene glycol than glycerin or propylene glycol, although ethylene glycol was not permitted for use in products meant for human consumption.

Flavoring

The ingredients in an e-cigarette cartridge: Distilled water, Nicotine, FCC Grade Vegetable Glycerin, Natural Flavors, Artificial Flavors, Citric Acid. Nicotine content 6-8 mg per cartridge.

Flavored e-liquids contain additional substances in part to disguise nicotine's bitter taste. Their health effects are not entirely known, given limited toxicological data. A 2017 study reported that flavorings can be a significant part of toxicants. Each flavoring has a different chemical composition. A 2015 study reported varied cytotoxicity of e-liquids, ranging from little to significant cytotoxicity. The liquids contain aromatic substances such as tobacco, fruit, vanilla, caramel, and coffee. Typically, these additives are imprecisely described, using terms such as "vegetable flavoring". Although they are approved for human consumption no studies assess the short-term or long-term effects of inhaling them. As of 2016 their safety had not been assessed by the US Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA). The majority of flavorings in e-liquids had not been investigated for inhalation toxicity. A 2017 review stated that FEMAhad identified 1037 flavoring agents as potential respiratory hazards due to volatility and respiratory irritant properties. Common flavoring agents on that list include diacetyl, acetoin, 2,3-pentanedione (buttery), camphor and cyclohexanone (minty), benzaldehyde (cherry or almond), cinnamaldehyde (cinnamon), cresol (leathery) or medicinal (chocolate), and isoamyl acetate (banana). As of 2017 the four most commonly reported flavoring additives were vanillin, ethyl maltol, ethyl vanillin, and menthol. A 2017 review stated, "the implication by manufacturers that flavoring ingredients used in e-cigarettes and related devices (e.g. hookahs) are safe for inhalation because they have FEMA GRAS™ status for use in food has been stated to be 'false and misleading' by FEMA."

Many flavorings are irritants. The limited available data suggest that the majority of flavorings could lead to significant health risks from long-term use, particularly those that are sweet. Some e-liquids contain large amounts of flavorings. A 2016 study of 30 e-cigarette products in the US market reported that 13 were more than 1% flavoring chemicals by weight, some of which were of potential toxicological concern (e.g., cause respiratory irritation). Some flavorings are toxic and some resemble known carcinogens. A 2016 study of five flavorings across six types of e-cigarettes reported that flavorings significantly affected the in vitro toxicity profile. Some artificial flavorings are known cytotoxins. Unflavored vapor is less cytotoxic than flavored vapor. A 2012 study reported that in embryonic and adult cellular models, some flavorings not reported in tobacco smoke were cytotoxic. The caffeine exposures from vaping are considerably less than caffeinated beverages. Limited information is available regarding the effects of inhaling caffeine. The evidence is unclear that particular flavorings carry health risks, though some may increase such risks.

Cinnamaldehyde has been described as highly cytotoxic. Cinnamaldehyde has been detected in flavorings such as cinnamon, tobacco, sweet (e.g. caramel), and fruit. A 2014 review concluded that cinnamaldehyde was cytotoxic at amounts 400 times less than those allowed EPA. Coffee and cinnamon flavorings are reported to be the most toxic. A 2017 review concluded that they were carcinogenic or toxic, and could contribute to cardiopulmonary diseases and neurodegenerative disorders. Only sparse evidence directly associates cinnamon inhalations with asthma. Some e-liquids containing cinnamaldehyde stimulate TRPA1, which might induce effects on the lung. In human lung fibroblasts, cinnamon roll flavoring resulted in a noticeable rise in the amount of inflammatory cytokine IL-8.

A 2019 case report described an 18-year-old patient using a Juul device with mint-flavored pods in the days before episodes of pneumothorax. A 2019 study that sampled e-cigarette delivery systems reported that Juul pods were the only product to demonstrate in vitro cytotoxicity from both nicotine and flavoring chemical content, in particular ethyl maltol. As of 2017 limited data described the effects of menthol inhalation. Some flavorings may increase lung toxicity or lung inflammation in part by producing free radicals and inflammation.

E-liquids contain possibly toxic aldehydes and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Many flavorings are known aldehydes, such as anisaldehyde, cinnamaldehyde, and isovaleraldehyde. Saccharides in sweet e-liquid flavorings generate furans and aldehydes when vaporized. The consequences of aldehyde-containing flavorings on pulmonary surfaces are unknown. A 2012 study reported that butterscotch flavoring was highly toxic with one liquid while two others had low toxicity. A 2014 in vitro study showed that menthol flavorings have a damaging effect on human periodontal ligament fibroblast growth. Methanol increased the amount of hydrogen peroxide. A 2017 study reported a variety of flavoring-initiated inflammatory cytokines in lung cell cultures, of which acetoin and maltol were among the strongest. A 2014 in vitro study demonstrated that e-cigarette use of a balsamic flavoring without nicotine activated the release of proinflammatory cytokines in lung epithelial cells and keratinocytes. Other additives may reduce the irritation on the pharynx. It is possible that flavorings may worsen harmful effects such as diminished cell viability, escalated rates of apoptosis, escalated DNA strand breaks, alterations in cell morphology and intensified inflammatory mediator production.

Flavorings that contain diacetyl and acetyl propionyl are used for butter, chocolate, milk, toffee, or menthol flavorings. Diacetyl occurs in flavorings such as caramel, butterscotch, watermelon, pina colada, and strawberry. A 2016 study reported that 39 of 51 flavored e-cigarettes contained diacetyl. The American Lung Association recommended in 2016 that the FDA require that diacetyl and other chemicals be banned from e-cigarettes. Diacetyl and acetyl propionyl are associated with bronchiolitis obliterans. A 2018 PHE report stated that e-liquids containing diacetyl are not likely to present a considerable risk. A 2015 review recommended specific regulation of diacetyl and acetyl propionyl, which have been associated with respiratory harm when inhaled. Exposure to diacetyl produces morphological liver alterations according to animal studies. Diacetyl and acetyl-propionyl have been reported in concentrations above those recommended by the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Diacetyl is reported at lower levels in e-cigarettes than in traditional cigarettes.

2, 3-pentanedione is an α-diketone that is chemically and structurally similar to diacetyl. A 2016 report stated that it had become a popular replacement for diacetyl, although it had been shown to cause airway epithelial damage similar to diacetyl. A 2016 review concluded that liquids that use butyric acid in place of diacetyl and acetyl propionyl, could have negative health effects. Another 2016 review surfaced concerns that e-liquid additives might lead to diseases such as popcorn lung.

Cherry flavorings contain a more benzaldehyde, a main ingredient for many fruit flavorings. Benzaldehyde can irritate the eyes and mucous membranes of the respiratory tracts. The irritants butyl acetate, diethyl carbonate, benzoic acid, quinoline, bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, and 2,6-dimethyl phenol were present as undeclared ingredients in the e-liquid. A 2010 study reported weight loss drug rimonabant in e-liquids. The drug has been linked to seizures and suicides. The same study reported that e-liquid can contain amino-tadalafil which is a component of Cialis, used for erectile dysfunction. This and other pharmacologic compounds present some degree of risk.

In 2015 CDC tested 36 e-cigarette products for 10 flavoring compounds commonly used as additives in tobacco products. Measurable levels of eucalyptol and pulegone were reported in menthol-flavored varieties for all manufacturers. Menthol concentrations ranged from 3,700 to 12,000 μg/g, similar to those reported in traditional cigarettes. Menthol was reported at low concentrations in 40% of the tobacco-flavored nonmenthol products tested. Other flavoring compounds reported were camphor, methyl, salicylate, pulegone, cinnamaldehyde (CAD), and eugenol. A 2016 study analyzed 30 e-cigarette products and reported that 13 contained more than 1% flavoring chemicals by weight. Among the chemicals identified were aldehydes (e.g., benzaldehyde and vanillin), which are primary respiratory tract irritants. Tobacco-flavored e-liquids were derived from flavoring chemicals (e.g., bubble gum and cotton candy flavoring) rather than tobacco extract. Various candy and fruit flavored e-liquids exhibited cytotoxic or mutagenic effects in vitro.

Formaldehyde

IARC categorized formaldehyde as a human carcinogen, and acetaldehyde is categorized as a potential human carcinogen. Formaldehyde induced DNA damage and inhibited DNA repair. Acetaldehyde generated DNA crosslinking, which impedes metabolic functions, including DNA replication, repair, recombination, transcription and chromatin remodeling. Aldehydes may cause harm. A 2016 study reported that e-liquids without flavoring generated no aldehydes, which indicated that flavorings were causing the creation of aldehydes, according to a 2018 PHE report.

Chemicals can be inadvertently produced, especially carbonyls such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acrolein, and glyoxal when the nichrome wire (heating element) reaches a high enough temperature. Potentially hazardous carbonyls have been identified in aerosols at temperatures above 200 °C. Propylene glycol-containing liquids produced the most amounts of carbonyls. A 2014 study reported toxic chemical vapor levels at 1 to 2 orders of magnitude smaller than with cigarette smoke, but greater than from a nicotine inhaler. A 2015 study reported toxic and irritation-causing carbonyls, although measured levels of toxic chemicals were inconsistent. The study reported that toxicant levels may be higher than with cigarette smoke.

A 2017 study reported that battery output voltage positively influenced carbonyl vapor levels. A 2015 study reported that e-cigarettes using higher voltages (5.0 V) can emit carcinogens including formaldehyde at levels comparable to cigarette smoke, creating a lifetime cancer risk of 5 to 15 times greater than long-term smoking. while lower voltages (3.0 V) produce levels of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde roughly 13 and 807-fold less than in cigarette smoke. Elevated aldehyde formation has an unpleasant taste leading users to avoid it. The average amount of formaldehyde in vapor from high-voltage devices is higher than the average from cigarettes. Another 2015 study reported that "dripping", where the e-liquid is dripped directly onto the atomizer, can create carbonyls.

The amount of formaldehyde expected to be inhaled by the user is disputed. In 2015 PHE reported that normal e-cigarette use generates low levels of aldehydes. Normal usage also generates low levels of formaldehyde. However, users detect and avoid the "dry puff", leading them to conclude, "There is no indication that EC users are exposed to dangerous levels of aldehydes." In 2018 PHE reported that at normal temperatures, aldehyde levels were negligible compared with smoke.

Nicotine

Possible side effects of nicotine

A 2015 comparative risk analysis of drugs reported the nicotine's margin of exposure (MOE) values were in a lower risk range than cocaine, heroin, and alcohol, whereas its MOE values was in a higher risk range than MDMA, methamphetamine, and methadone. Shown above is the MOE for daily drug use from the analysis.

Nicotine is regarded as a potentially lethal poison. There are safety issues with the nicotine exposure from e-cigarettes, which may cause addiction and other adverse effects. Concerns exist that vaping can be harmful by exposing users to toxic levels of nicotine. Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and the elderly are more sensitive to nicotine than other individuals. Nicotine is proven to be a carcinogen in mice and has been linked to cancer in humans. At sufficiently high doses, nicotine may result in nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, salivation, bradyarrhythmia, and possibly seizures and hypoventilation. High doses can induce deleterious effects on the growth of osteoblasts. Higher-doses leads to loss of nicotinic receptor specificity and induces cholinergic toxicity. The highest-doses can lead to coma. However, at the low amount of nicotine provided by e-cigarettes fatal overdose from use is unlikely; in contrast, the potent amount of nicotine in e-cigarettes liquids may be toxic if it is accidentally ingested or absorbed via the skin. The health effects of nicotine in infants and children are unclear.

E-cigarettes provide nicotine to the blood quicker than nicotine inhalers. The levels were above that of nicotine replacement product users. E-cigarettes seem to have a pharmacokinetic nicotine profile closer to nicotine replacement products than with traditional cigarettes. How efficiently different e-cigarettes give nicotine is unclear. Serum cotinine levels are comparable to that of traditional cigarettes, but are inharmonious and rely upon the user and the device. Blood nicotine levels raised more gradually and took more time to get to peak concentration with e-cigarettes than with traditional cigarettes. Vaping was reported to have comparable levels of nicotine urinary metabolites to those who were tobacco and smokeless tobacco product users. Though, the oxidative nicotine metabolites were less in those who were vaping. Evidence indicates that some vaping products may deliver the same amount of nicotine as traditional cigarettes. There is fair evidence that chance and degree of dependence are less for e-cigarettes than traditional cigarettes, according to a 2018 National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine report. It not clear the level of addictiveness of e-cigarettes, compared with traditional cigarettes, according to a 2018 PHE report. The report also stated "nicotine addictiveness depends on a number of factors including presence of other chemicals, speed of delivery, pH, rate of absorption, the dose, and other aspects of the nicotine delivery system, environment and behaviour." Users vaping without using nicotine exhibited symptoms of dependence, according to a 2015 study. E-cigarette packages and advertisements require health warnings under US law, stating "WARNING: This product contains nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical."

Aerosol composition

Main article: Composition of electronic cigarette aerosol

The chemical composition of the e-cigarette aerosol varies across and within manufacturers. Limited data exists regarding their chemistry. The aerosol of e-cigarettes is generated when the e-liquid reaches a temperature of roughly 100–250 °C within a chamber, which is thought to cause pyrolysis of the e-liquid and could also lead to decomposition of other liquid ingredients. The vapor usually contains propylene glycol, glycerin, nicotine, flavorings, aroma transporters, and other substances. The levels of nicotine, TSNAs, aldehydes, metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), flavorings, and tobacco alkaloids in e-cigarette vapors vary greatly. The yield of chemicals reported in the e-cigarette vapor varies depending on, several factors, including the e-liquid contents, puffing rate, and the battery voltage.

E-cigarettes consist of fine and ultrafine particles of particulate matter, in the form of an aerosol. The aerosol (mist) produced by an e-cigarette is commonly but inaccurately called vapor. In physics, a vapor is a substance in the gas phase whereas an aerosol is a suspension of tiny particles of liquid, solid or both within a gas. The word "vaping" is not technically accurate when applied to e-cigarettes. The aerosol is made-up of liquid sub-micron particles of condensed vapor; thus, the users of these devices are rather "aerosolizing." This aerosol that is produces looks like cigarette smoke to some extent. After a puff, inhalation of the aerosol travels from the device into the mouth and lungs. The composition of e-liquids varies widely due to the extensive range of nicotine levels and flavoring additives used in these products, which result in a hugely great number of different chemical vapor combinations potentially breathed in by the user.

The particles produced from vaping are comparable in particle-size distribution and number of particles to cigarette smoke, with the majority of them in the ultrafine range. Some e-cigarettes released more particles than cigarette smoke. A 2014 review concluded that fine particles can be chemically intricate and not uniform, and what a particle is made of, the exact harmful elements, and the importance of the size of the particle is mostly unknown. They reported that because these things are uncertain, it is not clear whether the ultrafine particles in e-cigarette vapor have health effects similar to those produced by traditional cigarettes. In 2014 WHO reported e-cigarettes release a lower concentration of particles than traditional cigarettes.

Metals

There is limited evidence on the long-term exposure of metals. Exposure to the levels and kinds of metals reported in the aerosol relies upon the material and other manufacturing designs of the heating element. E-cigarettes contain some contamination with small amounts of metals in the emissions but it is not likely that these amounts would cause a serious risk to the health of the user. According to a 2018 PHE report, metals emissions no matter how small, are not needed. They further stated, "EC [e-cigarettes] that generate minimal metal emissions should become an industry standard." The device itself could contribute to the toxicity from the small amounts of silicate and heavy metals reported in the liquid and vapor, because they have metal parts that come in contact with the e-liquid. Low levels of possibly harmful chromium, lead, and nickel metals have been reported in the emissions. Chromium and nickel nanoparticles have also been reported. Copper nanoparticles can induce mitochondrial and DNA injury in lung fibroblasts. DNA repair can be impeded by titanium dioxide nanoparticles from the e-cigarette vapor. This was demonstrated that the titanium dioxide nanoparticles induced single-strand breaks and produced oxidative stress in the DNA of A549 cells. The risk of inhaling nanoparticles is an area of concern. The toxicity of nanoparticles is unknown. Metals including nickel, cadmium, lead and silicate can reported in the e-cigarette vapors, and are thought to be carcinogenic, nephrotoxic, neurotoxic, and hemotoxic. Heavy metals are correlated with serious health issues. Inhaling lead can induce serious neurologic injury, notably to the growing brains of children.

Metals may adversely affect the nervous system. Metals reported in the e-cigarette vapor may induce cell damage and initiate inflammatory cytokine such as in human lung fibroblasts. A 2017 review concluded "E-cigarette aerosols and copper nanoparticles induced mitochondrial ROS production, mitochondrial stress (reduced stability of OxPhos electron transport chain (ETC) complex IV subunit) and DNA fragmentation in lung fibroblasts." A 2013 review concluded metallic and nanoparticles are associated with respiratory distress and disease. A 2014 review concluded considerable amounts of tin, metals, and silicate particles that came from various components of the e-cigarette were released into the aerosol, which result in exposure that could be higher than with cigarette smoke. A 2013 study reported metal particles in the aerosol were at levels 10-50 times less than permitted in inhalation medicines. A 2014 review suggested that there is no evidence of contamination of the aerosol with metals that justifies a health concern. Cadmium that have been reported in the e-cigarette vapor is linked to low sperm density.

It is thought that electronic cigarette use may be associated with increased levels of metal and adverse toxicity effects of human health. However, the effects of metals in electronic cigarette devices were examined in a small number of studies as of 2023, therefore, this is not sufficient to create a firm conclusion. Additionally, past tobacco use history among different forms may affect metal levels in these studies due to long half-life for some metals.

First-generation devices

E-cigarettes resembling cigarettes typically produce much less blood nicotine levels. When compared to traditional cigarettes older devices usually delivered low amounts of nicotine. E-cigarette use can be associated with a substantial dispersion of nicotine, thus generating a plasma nicotine concentration which can be comparable to that of traditional cigarettes. This is due to the minute nicotine particles in the e-cigarette vapor, which permit quick delivery into the bloodstream. The nicotine delivered from e-cigarettes enters the body slower than traditional cigarettes. Studies suggest that inexperienced users obtain moderate amounts of nicotine from e-cigarettes. Concerns were raised over inconsistent amounts of nicotine delivered when drawing on the device.

Newly developed devices

Later-generation models, such as tank or adjustable e-cigarettes, as well as concentrated nicotine liquids, may deliver nicotine at levels similar to traditional cigarettes. Some e-cigarette tank devices with stronger batteries heat solutions to greater temperatures, which may raise nicotine levels. The increase in nicotine delivery compared to previous generation reaches 35% to 72%. This translates into a heart rate elevation comparable to that induced by traditional cigarettes. Such devices may largely reshape the effects on cardiac safety, misuse, and addiction. There is not much research on fourth-generation devices.

Concerns

The reinforcing effects of drugs of abuse, such as nicotine, is associated with its ability to excite the mesolimbic and dopaminergic systems. How do e-cigarettes affect the brain? The nicotine in e-liquids readily absorbs into the bloodstream when a person uses an e-cigarette. Upon entering the blood, nicotine stimulates the adrenal glands to release the hormone epinephrine (adrenaline). Epinephrine stimulates the central nervous system and increases blood pressure, breathing, and heart rate. As with most addictive substances, nicotine increases levels of a chemical messenger in the brain called dopamine, which affects parts of the brain that control reward (pleasure from natural behaviors such as eating). These feelings motivate some people to use nicotine again and again, despite possible risks to their health and well-being.

The health effects of long-term nicotine use is unknown. It may be decades before the long-term health effects of nicotine vapor inhalation is known. It is not recommended for non-smokers. Public health authorities do not recommend nicotine use for non-smokers. The pureness of the nicotine differs by grade and producer. The impurities associated with nicotine are not as toxic as nicotine. The health effects of vaping tobacco alkaloids that stem from nicotine impurities in e-liquids is not known. Nicotine affects practically every cell in the body. The complex effects of nicotine are not entirely understood. It poses several health risks. Short-term nicotine use excites the autonomic ganglia nerves and autonomic nerves, but chronic use seems to induce negative effects on endothelial cells. Nicotine may have a proreported impact on sleep. The effects on sleep vary after being intoxicated, during withdrawal, and from long-term use. Nicotine may result in arousal and wakefulness, mainly via incitement in the basal forebrain. Nicotine withdrawal, after abstaining from nicotine use in non-smokers, was linked with longer overall length of sleep and REM rebound. A 2016 review states that "Although smokers say they smoke to control stress, studies show a significant increase in cortisol concentrations in daily smokers compared with occasional smokers or nonsmokers. These findings suggest that, despite the subjective effects, smoking may actually worsen the negative emotional states. The effects of nicotine on the sleep-wake cycle through nicotine receptors may have a functional significance. Nicotine receptor stimulation promotes wake time and reduces both total sleep time and rapid eye movement sleep."

Nicotine can weaken antibacterial defenses and modify macrophage activation. Nicotine can cause tremors, high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, and lower coronary blood flow. Nicotine constricts blood vessels. This includes coronary blood vessels and those in the skin. However, blood vessels in the skeletal muscle dilate as a result of nicotine. It can also cause nausea, sweating, and diarrhea. In reaction to nitric oxide, it hinders endothelial-dependent widening of blood vessels. It is associated with stroke, peripheral vascular disease, delayed wound healing, peptic ulcer disease, and esophageal reflux. Vapers that get a higher amount of blood nicotine are probably correlated with increased heart rates. Acute administration of nicotine causes a variety of well-characterized, dose- and route-dependent effects in adults, including cardiovascular effects, such as greater cardiac output, leading to an increase in myocardial oxygen demand. Nicotine is correlated with lung inflammation in adults, which may be as a result of it chemotactic effects. Nicotine may have adverse effects on lipids, cause insulin resistance, and may cause pro-inflammatory effects that could impact beta cell function. Nicotine lowers activity of free radical scavenging enzymes, resulting in more production of hydroxyl free radicals. Nicotine impairs glucose homeostasis, indicating a major role in the development of diabetes mellitus type 2. Osseointegration is a pertinent part of the survival of implants. Nicotine considerably impedes the regenerative capability of mesenchymal stem cells. This includes impeding their proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Nicotine has been correlated with vasoconstriction and a weakened ability to heal at the cellular level. Thus, it apparently compromises implant osseointegration. Nicotine lowers estrogen levels and has been associated with early menopause in women. Nicotine is negatively associated with total sperm motility. Nicotine causes dysfunction of NO synthesis. This may result in inability to get penile erections and erectile dysfunction.

A 2016 review concluded "Evidence from experimental animal models clearly demonstrate nicotine's ability to enhance existing tissue injury and diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, pancreatitis, peptic ulcer, renal injury and developmental (e.g. pulmonary, reproductive and central nervous system) abnormalities." The consequence of nicotine use in autoimmunity has been conflicting. Nicotine could have cancer-promoting properties, therefore long-term use may not be harmless. Nicotine may result in neuroplasticity variations in the brain. Nicotine has been demonstrated to alter the amounts of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in humans. Nicotine could make cancer therapies less effective. Based on in vitro and in vivo effects of nicotine, patients should be advised not to use nicotine products during cancer treatment unless it is temporarily needed to stop tobacco smoking. Nicotine can suppress appetite. Nicotine users will probably gain weight after using less nicotine. A long-term risk from vaping a base containing nicotine is nicotine dependence.

Youth concerns

Children are more sensitive to nicotine than adults. The use of products containing nicotine in any form among youth, including in e-cigarettes, is unsafe. Nicotine has more significant and durable damaging effects on adolescent brains compared to adult brains, the former developing more harmful effects. Animal research offers strong evidence that the limbic system is particularly vulnerable to the long lasting effects of nicotine. In youth, nicotine may result in cognitive impairment as well as the chance of nicotine addiction for life. The adolescent's developing brain is especially sensitive to the harmful effects of nicotine. A short period of regular or occasional nicotine exposure in adolescence exerts long-term neurobehavioral damage. Risks of exposing the developing brain to nicotine include mood disorders and permanent lowering of impulse control. The rise in vaping is of great concern because the parts encompassing in greater cognitive activities including the prefrontal cortex of the brain continues to develop into the 20s Nicotine exposure during brain development may hamper growth of neurons and brain circuits, effecting brain architecture, chemistry, and neurobehavioral activity.

Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb announced on 28 July 2017 a comprehensive regulatory plan for tobacco and nicotine regulation that will serve as a multi-year roadmap to better protect youth and significantly reduce tobacco-related disease and death, including pursuing lowering nicotine in regular cigarettes to a minimally or non-addictive level.

Nicotine changes the way synapses are formed, which can harm the parts of the brain that control attention and learning. Preclinical studies indicate that teens being exposed to nicotine interferes with the structural development of the brain, inducing lasting alterations in the brain's neural circuits. Each e-cigarette brand differs in the exact amount of ingredients and nicotine in each product. Therefore, little is known regarding the health consequences of each brand to the growing brains of youth. In August 2014, the American Heart Association noted that "e-cigarettes could fuel and promote nicotine addiction, especially in children." Whether there are subgroups of adolescents who are at greater risk of developing a nicotine dependence from vaping is not known. A 2014 policy statement by the UK's Faculty of Public Health has stated, "A key concern for everyone in public health is that children and young people are being targeted by mass advertising of e-cigarettes. There is a danger that e-cigarettes will lead to young people and non-smokers becoming addicted to nicotine and smoking. Evidence from the US backs up this concern." Long-term studies on the safety of nicotine-only exposure (e.g., as with using e-cigarettes rather than smoking traditional cigarettes) among youth have not been conducted.

In 2015 the psychological and behavioral effects of e-cigarettes were studied using whole-body exposure to e-cigarette vapor, followed by a series of biochemical and behavioral studies. The results showed that nicotine-containing e-cigarette vapor induces addiction-related neurochemical, physiological and behavioral changes. A 2015 study on the offspring of the pregnant mice, which were exposed to nicotine-containing e-cigarette liquid, showed significant behavioral alterations. This indicated that exposure to e-cigarette components in a susceptible time period of brain development could induce persistent behavioral changes. As indicated in the limited research from animal studies, there is the potential for induced changes in neurocognitive growth among children who have been subjected to e-cigarette vapors consisting of nicotine. The FDA stated in 2019 that some people who use e-cigarettes have experienced seizures, with most reports involving youth or young adult users.

Comparison of levels of toxicants in e-cigarette aerosol

Amounts of toxicants in e-cigarette aerosol compared with nicotine inhaler and cigarette smoke

Toxicant	Range of content in nicotine inhaler mist (15 puffs∗)	Content in aerosol from 12 e-cigarettes (15 puffs∗)	Content in traditional cigarette micrograms (μg) in smoke from one cigarette
Formaldehyde (μg)	0.2	0.2-5.61	1.6-52
Acetaldehyde (μg)	0.11	0.11-1.36	52-140
Acrolein (μg)	ND	0.07-4.19	2.4-62
o-Methylbenzaldehyde (μg)	0.07	0.13-0.71	—
Toluene (μg)	ND	ND-0.63	8.3-70
p- and m-Xylene (μg)	ND	ND-0.2	—
NNN (ng)	ND	ND-0.00043	0.0005-0.19
Cadmium (ng)	0.003	ND-0.022	—
Nickel (ng)	0.019	0.011-0.029	—
Lead (ng)	0.004	0.003-0.057	—

Abbreviations: μg, microgram; ng, nanogram; ND, not detected.

∗Fifteen puffs were chosen to estimate the nicotine delivery of one traditional cigarette.

Respiratory Effects

The risks to the lungs are not fully understood, and concern exists regarding the negative effects on lung function. The long-term lung function effects of vaping is unknown. There is limited evidence on the long-term health effects to the lungs. The long-term effect from vaping a base containing nicotine on lung tissue is unknown. Limited evidence suggests that e-cigarettes produce less short-term effects on lung function than with traditional cigarettes. Many ingredients used in e-liquids have not been examined in the lung. The effects of e-cigarette use in respect to asthma and other respiratory diseases are unknown. It is not clear whether long-term inhalation of e-cigarette vapor will make asthma better or worse. A 2015 review concluded e-cigarettes may induce acute lung disease.

Exposure to inhaled nicotine-containing e-cigarette fluids triggered effects normally associated with the development of a chronic obstructive lung disease-like tissue damage in a nicotine-dependent manner. Preclinical research indicate that vaping escalates the virulence of drug resistant microorganisms and diminishes the capacity of lung cells to eliminate bacteria. E-cigarettes have been correlated with pleural effusions. A 2015 study reported that e-cigarette vapors can induce oxidative stress in lung endothelial cells. Constant lung inflammation as a result of the e-cigarette vapor could result in lung pathogenesis and induce serious diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and fibrosis. There is strong evidence that e-cigarette vapors can result in acute endothelial cell injury, but the long-term effects regarding this matter on being exposed over a prolonged period of time to e-cigarette vapor is uncertain. A 2017 review concluded "Exposure to nicotine that was specifically generated by the use of e-cigarettes, was shown to promote oxidative stress and impairment of autophagy, which in turn serves as a potential mechanism leading to development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease." A 2014 case report observed the correlation between sub-acute bronchiolitis and vaping. After quitting vaping the symptoms improved. Vaping causes bronchospasm. Adolescents who vaped had a higher frequency of chronic bronchitis symptoms.

The long-term effects regarding respiratory flow resistance are unknown. The available evidence indicates that e-cigarettes may result in respiratory effects that are like as well as unlike that of traditional cigarettes. E-cigarettes reduce lung function, but to a much lower extent than with traditional cigarettes. E-cigarettes could harm the respiratory system. Vaping induces irritation of the upper and lower respiratory system. The immediate effects of e-cigarettes after 5 minutes of use on pulmonary function resulted in considerable increases in resistance to lung airflow. A 2013 review concluded an instant increase in airway resistance after using a single e-cigarette. Higher levels of exhaled nitric oxide were reported among test subjects in a 2014 study who vaped with a base of nicotine which was associated with lung inflammation. Any reported harmful effects to cardiovascular and respiratory functions after short-term use of e-cigarettes were appreciably milder in comparison to cigarette smoke. When used in the short-term, an e-cigarette resulted in a rise of respiratory resistance comparatively to traditional cigarettes. E-cigarette use could result in respiratory diseases among youth. Evidence from animal studies indicate that children or adolescents exposed to second-hand vapor containing nicotine may impede their lung development. Adolescents with asthma who vape could have greater odds of having a higher number of respiratory symptoms and aggravations in contrast to their peers who do not vape. Adolescents and children with other respiratory ailments who vape may be at greater chance for aggravating of respiratory symptoms. In 2018 PHE reported "There have been some studies with adolescents suggesting respiratory symptoms among EC experimenters. However, small scale or uncontrolled switching studies from smoking to vaping have demonstrated some respiratory improvements." A 2017 review concluded "among a population of 11th-grade and 12th-grade students in California, e-cigarette use was associated with twice the risk of respiratory symptoms, and the risk increased with more frequent e-cigarette use."

Comparable to a traditional cigarette, e-cigarette particles are tiny enough to enter the alveoli, enabling nicotine absorption. These particles are also tiny enough to go deep in the lungs and enter into the systemic circulation. Research indicates that e‐cigarette vapor containing particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 μm, just from one puff, enters the systemic circulation via the cardiopulmonary system, leading to a large amount being deposited in the respiratory tract. Local pulmonary toxicity may occur because metal nanoparticles can deposit in the lung's alveolar sacs. E-cigarettes companies state that the particulates produced by an e-cigarette are too tiny to be deposited in the alveoli. Tinier particles deposit more nicotine in the alveoli. Different devices generate different particle sizes and cause different depositions in the respiratory tract, even from the same nicotine liquid. The aerosol production of e-cigarettes during vaping decreases, which requires a more forceful suction to create a similar volume of aerosol. A more forceful suction could affect the deposition of substances into the lungs. Reports in the literature have shown respiratory and cardiovascular effects by these smaller size particles, suggesting a possible health concern. Vaping is potentially harmful, especially to the critically ill, such as people with oncologic, lung, or cardiac diseases. A 2019 case study of hard-metal pneumoconiosis was published in the European Respiratory Journal. Researchers tested the patient's e-cigarette, which was used with cannabis. Cobalt was reported in the vapor, including other toxic metals-nickel, aluminum, manganese, lead, and chromium. Metal-induced toxicity in the lung can result in long-term, if not, permanent scarring of the lungs.

As with cardiovascular disease, evidence consistently indicates that exposure to e-cigarette aerosol has adverse effects on lungs and pulmonary function. Repeated exposure to acrolein, which is produced by heating the propylene glycol and glycerin in e-liquids, causes chronic pulmonary inflammation, reduction of host defense, neutrophil inflammation, mucus hypersecretion, and protease-mediated lung tissue damage, which are linked to the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. E-cigarette aerosol also exposes users to highly oxidizing free radicals. The chemical characteristics of the short-lived free radicals and long-lived free radicals produced from e-cigarettes is unclear. Animal studies have also shown that e-cigarettes increase pulmonary inflammation and oxidative stress while inhibiting the immune system.

Consistent with these experimental results, people who used e-cigarettes experienced decreased expression of immune-related genes in their nasal cavities, with more genes suppressed than among cigarette smokers, indicating immune suppression in the nasal mucosa. E-cigarette use upregulates expression of platelet-activating factor receptor (PAFR) in users' nasal epithelial cells; PAFR is an important molecule involved in the ability of S.pneumoniae, the leading cause of bacterial pneumonia, to attach to cells it infects (adherence). In light of the immunosuppressive effects observed in nasal mucosa, there is concern that e-cigarette use will predispose users toward more severe respiratory infections, as has been demonstrated in mouse studies.

Given these effects, it is not surprising that e-cigarette use is associated with a doubling of the risk of symptoms of chronic bronchitis among US high school juniors and seniors with higher risk associated with higher use; these risks persisted among former users. Similarly, current e-cigarette use was associated with an increased diagnosis of asthma among Korean high school students among current (e-cigarette users who were never cigarette smokers). E-cigarette users were also more likely to have had days absent from school due to severe asthma symptoms.

Vaping is reportedly tied to a range of lung injuries which include hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH), acute eosinophilic pneumonia (AEP), diffuse alveolar damage, organizing pneumonia (OP), lipoid pneumonia, and giant cell interstitial pneumonia (GIP).

2019–2020 vaping lung injury outbreak

Main article: 2019–2020 vaping lung illness outbreak

2019 CDC map of reported vaping-related lung illness cases.

Chart from the CDC in 2020 showing the number of EVALI cases by week of hospital admission from February 2019 - January 2020.

Since 2019, an ongoing outbreak of severe vaping-associated lung illness (EVALI) has affected certain users of vaping products in the United States. Cases involved in the outbreak of lung illness were first identified in Illinois and Wisconsin in April 2019. Similar cases of vaping-associated lung illness were reported in the UK and Japan before the outbreak occurred. As of February 18, 2020, a total of 2,807 hospitalized cases have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and two US territories (Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands). 68 deaths have been confirmed in 29 states and the District of Columbia in the US as of February 18, 2020. Based on reports from several states, symptoms typically develop over a period of days but sometimes can manifest over several weeks. The outbreak mainly affected young people, which is the group with the greatest prevalence of cannabis use in the US. The ubiquitous use of e-cigarettes including products that enable THC use likely contributed to the outbreak.

The diagnosis of EVALI is a diagnosis of exclusion as the symptoms are diffuse and mostly non-specific. Confirmed cases have the following features as outlined by the CDC: 1) use of e-cigarettes in the 90 days prior to symptom onset; 2) pulmonary infiltrates on chest CT scans; 3) absence of pulmonary infection; 4) no other possible alternative diagnoses.

Treatment for EVALI varies depending on each individual case. Around 95% of patients with EVALI require hospitalization. Pharmacological management includes antibiotics and potentially antivirals as well as corticosteroids. Many hospitalized patients have also required supplemental oxygen and ventilation therapy. Most EVALI cases are resolved when the patient quits vaping.On September 6, 2019, Dr. Dana Meaney-Delman, serving as the incident manager of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) response to this outbreak, said that "Based on the clinical and laboratory evidence to date, we believe that a chemical exposure is likely associated with these illnesses." Of the 2,506 reported cases, information is available in the three months prior to symptom onset for 1,782 of them as of December 3, 2019. 80% reported THC use, 35% reported exclusive THC use, about 54% reported using nicotine-containing products, and 13% reported exclusive use of nicotine-containing products. Many of the samples tested by the states or by the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) as part of the 2019 investigation have been identified as vaping products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (or THC, a psychoactive component of the cannabis plant). Most of those samples with THC tested also contained significant amounts of vitamin E acetate. A case-control study reported vitamin E acetate in the brochoalveolar lavage fluid of 94% of 51 EVALI patients and in none in 99 healthy controls in the comparator group. The CDC reported that their findings suggest vaping products containing THC are linked to most of the cases and play a major role in the outbreak. The CDC stated that the chemical vitamin E acetate is a very strong culprit of concern in the lung illnesses related to THC-based vaping products, but did not rule out other chemicals as possible causes.

Thickening agents were used to dilute vape oils. There has been an increase in attention to companies that sell diluent products that are made with vitamin E acetate. Previously, vitamin E was used in low concentrations, or lower than 20% of the formula in vape cartridges. As a result of a limited availability of cannabis in California as well as high demand, illicit sellers had used about 50% or higher of diluent thickeners in their formulas to bulk up tiny potency vape cartridges. In September 2019, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo instructed the state health department to issue subpoenas against three sellers of thickening agents used in illicit vaping products.The e-cigarette industry is placing the blame on illicit vaping liquids for the lung injuries. Juul Labs stated that some news reports state that several cases of lung illness are associated with vaping THC, reported in cannabis, "a Schedule 1, controlled substance that we do not sell." The CDC recommends that the public should consider not using any vaping products during their investigation, particularly those containing THC from informal sources like friends, or family, or in-person or online dealers as of November 20, 2019. The US FDA considers it prudent to avoid inhaling vitamin E acetate. On September 6, 2019, the US FDA stated that because consumers cannot be sure whether any THC vaping products may contain vitamin E acetate, consumers are urged to avoid buying vaping products on the street, and to refrain from using THC oil or modifying/adding any substances to products purchased in stores.

EVALI cases have declined since September 2019, which may be attributed to an increase in public awareness concerning the safety of e-cigarette products and the removal of vitamin E acetate from many of these products. However, there is still a lack of regulation concerning the use of customizable e-cigarette products which could still contribute to future outbreaks. Stricter guidelines concerning additives used in e-cigarettes as well as further toxicological research into the chemicals released by e-cigarettes may be useful strategies to help combat future EVALI cases.

Cardiovascular Effects

There is accumulating evidence on the long-term cardiovascular effects of electronic cigarette use. A 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis finds e-cigarettes cause a significant, potentially harmful effect on many cardiovascular parameters. A 2024 review concluded the cardiovascular effects of e-cigarettes may result from oxidative stress, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, hemodynamic effects, and platelet function. Although limited, there is supportive evidence that e-cigarettes adversely impacts endothelial function and arterial hardening. Most of the cardiovascular adverse effects of vaping are consistent with those of nicotine containing e-cigarettes. Vaping could also bring about some adverse cardiovascular effects to users, especially those who already have cardiovascular disease. The effects of aldehydes, particulates, and flavorings used in vaping devices on cardiovascular health is not clear with contrasting studies. Low amounts of aldehydes can still be a health concern, particularly among individuals with cardiovascular disease. E-cigarettes reduce cardiac muscle function and increase inflammation, but these changes were only substantial with traditional cigarettes. The small particles generated from e-cigarette use have the ability to get through airways and enter circulation, which pose a potential risk to cardiovascular systems. The minute nicotine particles in the e-cigarette vapor could increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias and hypertension which may put some users, particularly those with atherosclerosis or other cardiovascular risk factors, at significant risk of acute coronary syndrome.

There are many compounds in the e-cigarette vapor that have an impact on the onset and advancement of atherosclerosis. Some case reports documented the possible cardiovascular adverse effects from using e-cigarettes, the majority associated was with improper use. Even though e-cigarettes are anticipated to produce fewer harmful substances than traditional cigarettes, limited evidence recognizes they comparatively have a lowered raised cardiovascular risk.

Preliminary studies have shown that using a nicotine containing e-cigarette for just five minutes causes similar lung irritation, inflammation, and effect on blood vessels as smoking a traditional cigarette, which may increase the risk of a heart attack. E-cigarette use leads to sympathomimetic effects because of nicotine intake. It is argued that there could be a risk for harmful effects, including tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy. E-cigarettes containing nicotine may have a lower cardiovascular effect than traditional cigarettes containing nicotine. Research on the consequences of vaping on blood pressure is limited. Short-term physiological effects include increases in blood pressure and heart rate. The increased blood pressure and heart rate among smokers who vaped was lower than with cigarette smoking. A 2016 study reported vaping increases aortic stiffness in people who did not have cardiovascular risk factors, an effect that was lower than with cigarette smoking. Habitual vaping was associated with oxidative stress and a shift towards cardiac sympathetic activity, which are both associated with a risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Research indicates a relationship between exposure to particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 μm and the chance of developing cardiovascular disease.

Although the specific role of nicotine in cardiovascular disease remains debated, nicotine is not the only biologically active component in e-cigarette aerosol. E-cigarettes work by creating an aerosol of ultrafine particles to carry nicotine deep into the lungs. These particles are as small as—and sometimes smaller than—those in traditional cigarettes. These ultra fine particles are themselves biologically active, trigger inflammatory processes, and are directly implicated in causing cardiovascular disease and acute cardiovascular events. The dose-response effect for exposure to particles is nonlinear, with substantial increases in cardiovascular risk with even low levels of exposure to ultrafine particles. For example, exposure to second-hand cigarette smoke has nearly as large an effect on many risk factors for cardiovascular disease and the risk of acute myocardial infarction as does being an active smoker. Like traditional cigarette smokers, e-cigarette users experience increased oxidative stress and increases in the release of inflammatory mediators. E-cigarette aerosol also induces platelet activation, aggregation, and adhesion. All these changes are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. These physiological changes are manifest in rapid deterioration of vascular function following use of e-cigarettes. E-cigarette and traditional cigarette smoking in healthy individuals with no known cardiovascular disease exhibit similar inhibition of the ability of arteries to dilate in response to the need for more blood flow. This change reflects damage to the lining of the arteries (the vascular endothelium), which increases both the risk of long-term heart disease and an acute event such as a myocardial infarction (heart attack). Using e-cigarettes is also accompanied by a shift in balance of the autonomic (reflex) nervous system toward sympathetic predominance, which is also associated with increased cardiac risk. Daily e-cigarette use is correlated with an increased risk of a heart attack (myocardial infarction) in health surveys.

Other Effects

Gastrointestinal System

As part of the gastrointestinal system, there is a mucosal intestinal barrier that separates the external and internal environments within the human body. This selectively permeable barrier allows water, ions, solutes, and nutrients to be transported through while preventing bacteria and toxins from passing thereby protecting the body. As part of the gut barrier, there are tight junctions that help with the construction and permeability of the barrier by firmly securing joints in the barrier. Chronic, repetitive exposure to e-cigarettes damages this gut epithelial barrier which causes gut inflammation and increased risk of bacterial infections in the gut lining. Essentially, over time e-cigarettes compromise the epithelial barrier by breaking the tight junctions, which alters gene expression and causes susceptibility for bacterial infections leading to chronic inflammation and epithelial damage. Recent RNA-sequencing studies have determined that the e-liquid reported in e-cigarettes is responsible for causing changes in gene expression in the gastrointestinal tract. Transcriptome and histologic studies have further shown the health impact of e-cigarettes on gut health, and revealed that chronic use of nicotine free e-cigarettes cause inflammation and decrease in tight junction (TJ) markers. This research substantiated the claim that non-nicotine components of e-cigarettes are still detrimental to the gastrointestinal system.

Common health effects that occur with e-cigarette use are nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal discomfort, xerostomia, oral mucositis, gum bleeding, gingivitis, gastric burning, altered bowel habits, and acid reflux. All in all, chronic exposure to e-cigarettes increases susceptibility to bacterial infections, drives inflammation in the colon, and reduces gene expression related to gut barrier function. As some of the current studies are limited in nature with lack of follow-up over time, further evaluation is needed to fully understand the scope of effects of electronic cigarette exposure on the gastrointestinal system.

Nervous System

The impact of e-cigarette and its neurotoxic effects on the nervous system has been the subject of numerous studies. A recent preliminary study showed that chronic exposure of e-liquid decreased development of nematodes, caused impaired growth, affected advanced learning and memory, and resulted in abnormal neuromotor behavior. Nicotine exposure has detrimental effects on the nervous system, especially during adolescence when the brain is still developing. By introducing nicotine exposure during this developmental stage, the structure and function of the developing brain changes over time. For example, e-cigarette use is linked to impairment of cognitive processes, increased risk and rate of developing mood disorders and addiction, damage to functions such as memory, reasoning, impulse control, and attention. An in vivo mice model study reported that e-cigarettes decrease occludin gene expression. Occludin is a protein that helps to stabilize the blood-brain-barrier. Altering occludin compromises the stability and strength of the blood-brain-barrier which can cause neurovascular dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and cognitive defects. Studies in animal models also reported that chronic exposure to e-cigarettes lead to toxic metal aggregation in the central nervous system in mice.

Digestive System - Oral Cavity

There is little evidence indicating that using e-cigarettes over traditional cigarettes will help periodontal disease. Vaping with or without nicotine or flavoring can lead to increased risk of periodontal disease. Nicotine as well as their flavoring may be damaging to periodontal ligament, stem cells, and gingival fibroblasts in cultures as a result of creation of aldehydes and/or carbonyls from e-cigarette vapor. It is possible that e-cigarettes could harm the periodontium because of the effects of nicotine on gum tissues and the immune system. Vaping resulted in nicotine stomatitis, hairy tongue, and angular cheilitis. Vaping can cause oral mucosal lesions. No compelling evidence from using e-cigarettes indicates it directly causes oral cancer.

Considerations in Pregnancy/Lactation

Although e-cigarettes are used by some to help stop smoking, it is discouraged for pregnant and breastfeeding females to substitute cigarettes with e-cigarettes due to the uncertainty about ingredients. Currently, the FDA has not approved e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation aid which is why they discourage use in those pregnant with a developing fetus. e-cigarettes containing chemicals, flavorings, additives, and nicotine can cause permanent, long-term effects on the developing brain of a baby. Because e-cigarettes are unregulated, often the amount of nicotine is not standardized so it is possible that there are higher amounts of nicotine with e-cigarettes compared to traditional cigarettes. One study comparing irritability infants between those exposed to e-cigarettes during pregnancy versus those not exposed to any maternal smoking reported increased irritability among infants in the exposed group.

Currently, it is unclear what impact electronic cigarette use can have on breastfeeding, but it is not recommended to use. Some studies confirm that nicotine is able to transfer into breast milk and can lead to spikes in heart rate and blood pressure for infants drinking nicotine concentrated milk.

Regardless of which stage of pregnancy one is at, the recommendation is to quit smoking cigarettes altogether through smoking cessation therapy rather than turning to e-cigarettes as an alternative. The current recommendation by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) for pregnant persons is to seek medical advice from clinicians and use behavioral interventions for cessation. There are many resources and treatments available to help anyone looking to quit e-cigarettes and tobacco cigarettes during pregnancy. Some of these include talking with a healthcare provider team, and utilizing the 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) quitline that has resources for those needing advice, support, and referrals.

Public Perceptions

Marketing and advertisement play a significant role in the public's perception of e-cigarettes. Some tobacco users think vaping is safer than tobacco or other smoking cessation aids. It is generally considered by users that e-cigarettes are safer than tobacco. Emerging research indicates that vaping is not as safe as previously thought. Many users think that e-cigarettes are healthier than traditional cigarettes for personal use or for other people. Many youth believe vaping is a safe substitute to traditional cigarettes. For this reason, e-cigarettes have been thought to negate years of progress in preventing tobacco usage as a whole. A 2016 review suggests "that the perceived health risks, specific product characteristics (such as taste, price and inconspicuous use), and higher levels of acceptance among peers and others potentially make e-cigarettes initially more attractive to adolescents than tobacco cigarettes. Further, there has been a "nonlinear increase" in the use of e-cigarettes from 1.5 to 11.3% within a 6-year time period (2011–2017) among the high school demographic. Youths who have lower harm perceptions may be particularly susceptible to e-cigarette and polytobacco use, conversely those who perceive e-cigarettes as more harmful would be less likely to use them. Usually, only a small proportion of users are concerned about the potential adverse health effects or toxicity of e-cigarettes. A nation-wide US survey among adults reported 11.1% thought vaping during pregnancy was not as harmful as smoking, 51.0% thought it was as harmful, 11.6% thought it would be an increased harm, and 26.2% were unsure. A 2015 study showed that 60% of all adolescence stated vaping were safe or a minor health risk and that 53.4% considered vaping safer than cigarette smoking. A 2017 review concluded, based on literature from January 2006 to October 2016, examining perceptions regarding vaping during pregnancy, that the majority of respondents perceived vaping can carry health risks to mother and child, but also thought they may be less harmful than traditional cigarettes. Many adolescent asthmatics have a favorable view of vaping. A 2016 survey of people 14 years of age and up in Germany reported that 20.7% of participants consider e-cigarettes to be not as harmful as cigarettes, 46.3% just as harmful, and 16.1% thought they were more harmful, and 17.0% gave no answer. In terms of harm perception, a 2016 study reported that flavored e-cigarette use reduced the prevalence of perception of the dangers of tobacco use among youth. Another 2016 study reported more nuanced results, demonstrating that tobacco flavoring increased harm perception while fruit and sweet flavors decreased harm perception among UK adolescents. Similarly, a 2016 study in the US reported that, for US adolescents, fruit-flavored e-cigarettes were perceived to be less harmful than tobacco flavored ones. There is indication that an individual's perception of a substance's potential harms and benefits and their behavior of use is influenced by the availability of information discussing the health effects of that substance. A 2015 analysis reports that 34.20% (8433/24,658) of American youth sampled believe that e-cigarettes are less harmful than cigarettes, and 45% (11,096/24,658) are not sure.

As of 2018, under 50% of adults in the UK believe vaping is less harmful than smoking. Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) in the UK reported that in 2015, compared to the year before, "there has been a growing false belief that e-cigarettes could be as harmful as smoking". Among smokers who had heard of e-cigarettes but never tried them, this "perception of harm has nearly doubled from 12% in 2014 to 22% in 2015." ASH expressed concern that "The growth of this false perception risks discouraging many smokers from using e-cigarettes to quit and keep them smoking instead which would be bad for their health and the health of those around them." A 2015 PHE report noted that in the US belief among respondents to a survey that vaping was safer than smoking cigarettes fell from 82% in 2010 to 51% in 2014. The report blamed "misinterpreted research findings", attracting negative media coverage, for the growth in the "inaccurate" belief that e-cigarettes were as harmful as smoking. A 2017 review noted that there is a public misconception that vaping is safer than cigarette smoking. A 2016 review noted that the increasing use of e-cigarettes may be due in part to "the misperception that e-cigarettes are a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes." A 2014 review noted that "users do not appear to fully understand their health risks." Beliefs on vaping may be surpassing our scientific knowledge of these products. Proponents of vaping have stated that nicotine is 'as safe as caffeine'. E-cigarettes are believed to be considerably safer compared with smoking and nicotine is thought to be comparatively harmless. As a consequence, it is believed to be without risk to use them indoors or near babies.

A 2014 worldwide survey reported that 88% of respondents stated that vaping were less harmful than cigarette smoke and 11% believed that vaping were absolutely harmless. A 2013 four-country survey reported higher than 75% of current and former smokers think e-cigarettes are safer than traditional cigarettes. A 2017 study reported that among high income countries, Republic of Korea in 2016 was 66%, the US in 2016 was 37%, Netherlands in 2015 was 32%, Canada in 2016 was 30%, the UK in 2016 was 24%, Australia in 2016 was 22%, Uruguay in 2014 was 19%, and among low income countries, Malaysia in 2013 was 70%, Zambia in 2014 was 57%, Thailand in 2012 was 54%, Mexico from 2014 to 2015 was 38%, Bangladesh from 2014 to 2015 was 37%, Brazil from 2012 to 2013 was 22%, and China from 2013 to 2015 was 15%, for the percentage of respondents of adult smokers believing e-cigarette use is just as risky or more risky to health than cigarettes.

A 2016 review concluded that "The vaping communities' apparent lack of acknowledgment of the potential negative impacts of e-cigarettes appears to have discredited them in the eyes of many public health officials. Continuing down this path may generate beliefs that the vaping community cares little for public health, are primarily interested in selling their fast-growing companies to the highest tobacco company bidder, and will oppose any meaningful regulations of their product, however reasonable and necessary they may be—essentially aligning the vaping community's practices to tobacco companies' well-established playbook." A 2017 review concluded that "Although it was originally argued that e‐cigarettes are 'harm free,' the present prevailing belief is that they are 'reduced harm' alternatives to conventional cigarettes. This latter notion is still debatable and not supported by conclusive evidence, especially considering the wide variation between e‐cigarette products." E-cigarette advertisements with warnings could strengthen e-cigarette harm perceptions, and lower the likelihood of buying e-cigarettes.

Overall, e-cigarettes were originally intended to be used as a way to reduce harm and quit smoking in relation to other tobacco products already on the market. Over time, the product became increasingly popular in the youth of the United States due to marketing, accessibility, e-liquid flavorings, amount of delivered tobacco products, and lack of information regarding the effects on health.

The use of e-cigarettes in youth (Middle School and High School) of the United States remains the most commonly used type of device containing tobacco by a significant margin as of the 2023 National Youth Tobacco Survey. While trends have shown a decrease in electronic cigarette use in high school students and an increase in electronic cigarette use in middle school students, it is estimated that about 2.8 million youth currently use any tobacco product. It is thought that youths who were more exposed to negative news about e-cigarettes influenced their beliefs towards harmfulness of them. Other things to take into consideration include: increased vulnerability of youth to marketing, social influence and peer pressure as a way for them to be more incorporated in their communities. As public knowledge about effects of e-cigarettes increase along with their studies, it is thought to contribute to lowering the usage of e-cigarettes.

The largest age group contributing to the use and purchase of e-cigarettes are young adults, which include an age range from teens to 30's. A questionnaire examining college students demonstrated that current users believe that e-cigarettes are more convenient and taste and smell better than traditional tobacco products. Another notable result was the trend among current electronic cigarette users to have reported no previous use of tobacco. This would be contraindicative of what the original claims of e-cigarettes manufacturers when they were introduced to the market. While a majority of electronic cigarette users state the understanding of possible harm to their health, there is also the belief that they are safer than other forms of tobacco.

Gallery

• Images of E-cigarette battery explosion injuries
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See also

• Health effects of tobacco
• Regulation of e-cigarettes
• Positions of medical organizations on e-cigarettes

Sources

• Stratton K, Kwan LY, Eaton DL (January 2018). Stratton K, Kwan LY, Eaton DL (eds.). Public Health Consequences of E-Cigarettes (PDF). National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (National Academies Press). pp. 1–774. doi:10.17226/24952. ISBN 978-0-309-46834-3. PMID 29894118.

External links

• Media related to Electronic cigarettes at Wikimedia Commons