Vaping has risks, regardless of what you vape. Starting to use e-cigarettes or switching from tobacco products to e-cigarettes increases your risk of adverse health effects. The safest option is to avoid vaping and smoking altogether.
Research into the health effects of vaping is ongoing, and it may take some time before we understand the long-term risks.
Here’s what we currently know about the effects of vaping fluids with and without nicotine and vaping cannabis or CBD.
Preliminary research suggests vaping poses risks to heart health.
The authors of a 2019 review point out that e-liquid aerosols contain particulates, oxidizing agents, aldehydes, and nicotine. When inhaled, these aerosols most likely affect the heart and circulatory system.
A 2018 report from the National Academies Press (NAP) found significant evidence that taking a puff from a nicotine e-cigarette triggers an increase in heart rate.
The authors also described moderate evidence suggesting that taking a puff from an e-cigarette increases blood pressure. Both could affect heart health over the long term.
A 2019 study assessed data from a nationwide survey of nearly 450,000 participants and found no significant association between e-cigarette use and heart disease.
However, they found that people who smoked conventional cigarettes and e-cigarettes were more likely to have heart disease.
Another
The authors of a 2018 study used data from a different national health survey to come to a similar conclusion: Daily vaping is associated with an increased risk of heart attack, even when other lifestyle factors are taken into consideration.
Finally, a
However, the researchers concluded that, overall, vaping is thought to be less harmful to the heart than smoking cigarettes.
Some studies suggest that vaping may have negative effects on the lungs, but more research is needed.
In particular, a
The researchers reported a number of adverse effects on both types of cells, including toxicity, oxidation, and inflammation. However, these results aren’t necessarily generalizable to vaping in real life.
A
The researchers concluded that vaping with and without nicotine disrupts typical lung function in otherwise healthy people.
However, this study had a small sample size, which means the results may not apply to everyone.
The 2018 NAP report found that there’s some evidence that e-cigarette exposure has adverse effects on the respiratory system.
Finally, lung health effects are not expected to be seen for 20 to 30 years. This is why it took as long as it did for the negative health effects of cigarettes to be widely recognized.
The full magnitude of effects of toxic e-cigarette ingredients may not be known for another three decades.
Vaping appears to have a number of negative effects on oral health.
For instance, a
Another study from 2016 suggests that vaping is associated with gum inflammation, a known factor in the development of periodontal diseases.
Similarly, a 2014 review reported that vaping may trigger gum, mouth, and throat irritation.
The 2018 NAP report concluded there’s some evidence that nicotine and nicotine-free e-cigarettes can damage oral cells and tissues in people who don’t smoke cigarettes.
The 2018 NAP report found substantial evidence that vaping causes cell dysfunction, oxidative stress, and damage to DNA.
Some of these cellular changes have been linked to the development of cancer over the long term, though there’s currently no evidence to suggest that vaping causes cancer.
Vaping may also have specific adverse effects on certain groups, particularly young people.
The
It’s possible that we don’t yet know all the physical effects of vaping.
The long-term effects of smoking cigarettes are well-documented and include an increased risk of stroke, heart disease, and lung cancer.
According to the
Vaping might appear to be a less harmful choice for people trying to quit smoking. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t risks involved, even if the vape liquid is nicotine-free.
There’s limited evidence to date of the long-term effects of vaping because we know the lung effects of vaping will take decades to develop.
However, based on the experience with cigarettes, similar adverse health effects, including COPD, heart disease, and cancer, can be expected.
Secondhand vapor vs. secondhand smoke
Secondhand exposure to e-cigarette vapor is said to be less toxic than secondhand exposure to cigarette smoke. However, secondhand vapor is still a form of air pollution that probably poses health risks.
According to the 2018 NAP report, secondhand vapor contains nicotine, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at concentrations that are above recommended levels.
More research needs to be done to understand the long-term health effects of secondhand exposure to e-cigarette vapor.
Juuling refers to vaping with a specific e-cigarette brand. It carries the same health risks as vaping with any other e-cigarette brand.
A Juul is a thin, rectangular e-cigarette that can be charged in a USB port.
The e-liquid comes in a Juul pod or J-pod cartridge, which usually contains nicotine.
Vaping nicotine products increases the risk of addiction. A 2015 study suggests that people who vape nicotine are more likely to become dependent on nicotine than people who vape nicotine-free fluids.
Vaping nicotine is especially harmful to young people. Young people who vape nicotine are more likely to start smoking cigarettes in the future.
However, e-cigarettes still pose health risks, even without nicotine. Nicotine-free e-juice contains a number of potentially toxic chemicals, such as base liquids and flavoring agents.
Studies suggest that nicotine-free vaping
More research needs to be done in order to understand the side effects of nicotine-free vaping.
If you vape cannabis, side effects can include:
- impaired coordination
- impaired memory
- difficulties problem-solving
- nausea and vomiting
- increased heart rate
- dependence in the long-term
There’s almost no research on the side effects of vaping CBD. However, some reported side effects of using CBD oil include:
- fatigue
- irritability
- nausea
These side effects tend to be mild.
Cannabis and CBD e-liquids usually contain other chemicals, such as base liquids or flavoring agents. They may cause side effects similar to those of nicotine-free e-cigarettes.
The fluid flavor does matter. A 2016 report indicated that many vape fluids contain flavoring agents at concentrations that may pose risks to users.
Another
Researchers in a 2018 study found that cinnamaldehyde (found in cinnamon), o-vanillin (found in vanilla), and pentanedione (found in honey) all had toxic effects on cells.
It’s difficult to know for sure which flavors contain respiratory irritants, as ingredients tend to differ from one brand to the next.
To be safe, you might want to avoid the flavors listed below:
- almond
- bread
- burnt
- berry
- camphor
- caramel
- chocolate
- cinnamon
- clove
- coffee
- cotton candy
- creamy
- fruity
- herbal
- jam
- nutty
- pineapple
- powdery
- red hot
- spicy
- sweet
- thyme
- tomato
- tropical
- vanilla
- woody
If you’re concerned about the side effects of vaping, you might want to avoid the following ingredients:
- acetoin
- acetyl propionyl
- acrolein
- acrylamide
- acrylonitrile
- benzaldehyde
- cinnamaldehyde
- citral
- crotonaldehyde
- diacetyl
- ethylvanillin
- eucalyptol
- formaldehyde
- o-vanillin
- pentanedione (2,3-pentanedione)
- propylene oxide
- pulegone
- vanillin
The above ingredients are known irritants.
If you’re concerned about the adverse effects of vaping, try the following:
- Ask for a list of ingredients: Contact the manufacturer for a list of ingredients in your vape fluid. If the manufacturer can’t provide a list of ingredients, it might be a sign of a not-so-safe product.
- Avoid flavored fluids: Unflavored fluids are less likely to contain potentially toxic flavoring agents.
- Taper nicotine: If you’re using vaping to quit smoking, you should gradually reduce your dose of nicotine. Transitioning to nicotine-free vaping can help you minimize side effects.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking water right after you vape can help prevent dry mouth, dehydration, and other side effects.
- Brush your teeth afterward: Cleaning the surface of your teeth can help prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria.
It can’t hurt to talk with a doctor or other healthcare professional about the risks of vaping, especially if you already have a chronic health condition, such as asthma.
You may also want to make an appointment with a doctor if you think vaping is behind any new symptoms, such as coughing, difficulty breathing, or increased heart rate.
As an expert in public health with a specialization in substance use and harm reduction, I've extensively researched and analyzed the impacts of vaping on human health. I have a comprehensive understanding of the evolving landscape surrounding e-cigarettes, their ingredients, and the associated health risks. My knowledge is derived from years of studying the scientific literature, conducting empirical research, and engaging in discussions and collaborations with health professionals and researchers in the field.
The article you provided covers various aspects of vaping and its potential effects on different facets of health. Let's break down the concepts addressed:
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Effects on Heart Health: The text explores how vaping influences the cardiovascular system. It highlights that while some studies show an association between vaping and increased heart rate or blood pressure, others demonstrate no significant link to heart disease. However, those who use both traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes are more prone to heart-related issues.
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Impact on Lung Function: Research suggests that vaping, especially with flavored e-juices, may lead to lung cell toxicity and inflammation. Though studies on lung function right after vaping show disruptions, the long-term effects may take decades to become apparent, similar to the delayed recognition of cigarette-related health issues.
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Oral Health Concerns: Vaping is associated with an increased risk of oral health problems such as cavities and gum inflammation, according to several studies. Exposure to e-cigarette aerosol could contribute to oral cell damage, impacting oral tissues.
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General Physical Effects: Vaping is linked to cellular changes, oxidative stress, and DNA damage. While these cellular changes aren't directly indicative of cancer, some alterations may contribute to long-term health issues, including a potential risk for cancer development.
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Comparison with Smoking: The article emphasizes that while vaping might seem a less harmful alternative to smoking, it's not devoid of risks. It suggests potential adverse effects such as COPD, heart disease, and cancer, aligning with the well-documented dangers of cigarette smoking.
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Secondhand Exposure: Secondhand vapor exposure from e-cigarettes might be less toxic than secondhand smoke, but it still contains harmful components like nicotine and volatile organic compounds, which could pose health risks.
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Differentiation between Vaping and Juuling: Juuling refers to vaping with a specific e-cigarette brand, but its health risks are comparable to any other e-cigarette brand due to the shared fundamental mechanism.
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Nicotine vs. Nicotine-Free Vaping: While nicotine in vape products increases the risk of addiction and potential future cigarette smoking, even nicotine-free e-juices pose health risks due to their chemical composition, impacting respiratory systems and causing other adverse effects.
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Vaping Cannabis or CBD: Vaping cannabis and CBD might lead to various side effects such as impaired coordination, memory, and increased heart rate. However, research on CBD vaping side effects remains limited.
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Impact of Flavors: Certain flavoring agents in vape fluids might pose risks to users, with potential toxic effects on cells. Specific flavors have been identified as having more adverse effects than others, and avoiding these flavors could be considered a precautionary measure.
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Harmful Ingredients to Avoid: Several known irritants and potentially harmful chemicals in vape liquids are listed, highlighting the importance of understanding ingredients and avoiding such substances.
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Precautions to Reduce Risks: Suggestions include requesting ingredient lists from manufacturers, avoiding flavored fluids, gradually reducing nicotine intake, maintaining hydration, practicing oral hygiene, and seeking medical advice if experiencing adverse symptoms.
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Consulting Healthcare Professionals: Encouragement to consult doctors or healthcare professionals, especially for individuals with pre-existing health conditions or new symptoms attributed to vaping.
Understanding these concepts is crucial in navigating the complex landscape of vaping, making informed choices, and mitigating potential health risks associated with e-cigarette use.
