Vaping: Clear the Smoke Screen

Photo of a black person's hand and lips holding a vape and emitting vapor/mist with a yellow triangle with explanation caution graphic in the top left corner

Everywhere you look, someone’s vaping. Is it the cool new fad, a safer alternative, or a hidden health risk? Time to uncover what’s really behind the vape cloud.

The Stats

According to U.S. National Health Interview Survey (2019–2023) Vaping prevalence dropped from 4.5% (2019) to 3.7% (2020) then rose sharply to 6.5% in 2023. In both 2019 and 2023, men were more likely than women to use electronic cigarettes. In 2023, young adults ages 21–24 had the highest percentage of electronic cigarette use.

Vaping Prevalence Chart 2019-2023 data with a graphic of a person vaping with an e-cigarette

What’s the difference?

Both vaping and smoking involve inhaling nicotine and other chemicals into the lungs. The difference is in how they work: e-cigarettes heat a liquid to produce an aerosol, while traditional cigarettes burn tobacco to create smoke.

Many people believe vaping is safer than smoking. However, it still poses health risks. Vaping carries serious risks, including lung damage, harm to other organs, breathing difficulties, and addiction. Many people assume it’s “safer” than smoking, but vaping is not safe.

Photo of cigarettes on the left side and a vaping device on the right side with a black dividing line between.

What’s the risk?

Short-term side effects of vaping include:

Coughing.
Shortness of breath.
Eye irritation.
Headaches.
Dry and irritated mouth and throat.
Nausea.

Health Risks of Vaping:

Asthma and Lung Conditions: Vaping can increase your risk of developing asthma and other respiratory issues. If you already have asthma, it can make symptoms worse.
Lung Scarring: Some flavorings contain diacetyl, a chemical linked to bronchiolitis obliterans (“popcorn lung”), which causes permanent lung scarring.
Organ Damage: Nicotine and other chemicals in e-liquids can harm your heart and brain. Nicotine is known to affect brain development, raise blood pressure, and narrow arteries.
EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury): A severe lung condition caused by vaping that leads to coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, and can be fatal.
Addiction: Nicotine is highly addictive, altering brain chemistry and making it hard to quit. Even “nicotine-free” e-liquids often contain trace amounts.
Cigarette Smoking: Many people who start vaping eventually switch to smoking cigarettes, which contain even more harmful chemicals.
Secondhand Exposure: While vaping doesn’t produce smoke, it still releases nicotine and other chemicals into the air, exposing those nearby.
Device Explosions: Faulty batteries in vaping devices have caused explosions, leading to burns and serious injuries.
Cancer Risk: Certain ingredients in e-liquids are known carcinogens, increasing cancer risk over time.

Closeup photo of a man with scruffy facial hair vaping from a blue device with the vapor cloud rising, a triangle with exclamation point is in the top left corner as a symbol for caution

More about EVALI

EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury) is a serious lung condition linked to vaping. Vitamin E acetate in some e-liquids is a likely cause. An outbreak in 2019–2020 hospitalized thousands and killed at least 68 people. Cases have declined, but EVALI can still occur in anyone using nicotine or THC vapes, especially those from informal sources. Most severe cases involved people under 35 using THC products.

EVALI symptoms can include:

Cough
Trouble breathing
Chest pain
Fever
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Fast heartbeat

What about people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)?

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) may face even greater risks from vaping because many also live with chronic health conditions. These conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma, and high blood pressure, can make the harmful effects of nicotine and chemicals in e-cigarettes even more dangerous. Combined with the challenges of managing multiple health issues, vaping adds another layer of risk that can seriously impact overall well-being.

What if I or someone I support is already addicted?

Break free from the vape cloud—one step at a time. Quitting vaping can require time and planning, but you can do it! Here are some steps to help:

Set goals – even if you start by cutting back gradually.
Pick a quit date – choose a day soon and avoid stressful times.
Get support – talk to a healthcare provider, therapist, or counselor. They can help you plan and share free resources like apps, hotlines, or text programs.
Tell friends and family – they can encourage you and keep you accountable.
Write down your reasons – remind yourself why quitting matters.
Avoid triggers – stay away from situations where you usually vape or replace them with new activities.
Exercise – it helps reduce cravings and boosts your mood.
Prepare for cravings and withdrawal – headaches or anxiety are common. Nicotine gum, patches, or medications can help.

Photo of a person's hands throwing away a vaping device and a cluster of cigarettes in a pink garbage bin, a comic speech bubble says "I Quit!" in bold red letters.

So in short, vaping isn’t the safe choice. It brings serious health risks and can lead to addiction. Take charge of your health today. Make the decision to quit and start building a stronger, healthier future—one step at a time. Download the My Smoke Free Plan Worksheet to help start your quit journey today.

Resources

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Tips From Former Smokers How to Quit Smoking https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/quit-smoking/index.html

Quite Assist Information Resource: Quitting Never Felt So Good https://www.quitassist.com

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