Vaping & Lung Health Resources

Vaping devices, also known as vapes, electronic cigarettes, e-cigarettes, e-vaporizers, mods, or electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), are battery-operated devices used to inhale an aerosol which typically contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals or additives.

Vaping is the act of inhaling or exhaling the vapor produced by a vaping device. First-generation electronic cigarettes resembled traditional tobacco cigarettes, pipes, and cigars, but these devices have since evolved. Second and third-generation products often resemble pens, USB drives, and watches. Fourth and fifth generation integrate smart technology, Bluetooth connectivity and other customized and advanced technology.

The nicotine levels in newer e-cigarettes may be much higher than in first-generation e-cigarettes or combustible tobacco products due to the use of nicotine salts. Not only can a nicotine-based solution be converted to an aerosol and vaped, but forms of THC and other illicit drugs may be used in vaping devices.

Electronic cigarettes contain harmful ingredients including heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, and ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deeply into the lungs. E-cigarettes can also contain acrolein and diacetyl, which are chemicals linked to lung injury and disease. These devices contain and emit numerous potentially toxic substances.

Other than nicotine, the number, quantity, and characteristics of potentially toxic substances emitted from e-cigarettes are highly variable and depend on product characteristics (including device and e-liquid characteristics) and how the device is operated.

The FDA has not found any electronic cigarette to be safe or effective in helping smokers kick the habit. Using vaping devices to quit smoking may increase the risk of becoming a “dual user”, becoming addicted to both traditional tobacco products and vaping devices. We recommend using an approved Nicotine Replacement Therapy with a plan to quit. The more you know, the easier it is to make healthy and more informed choices.

Vaping can cause irritation in the airways and lungs leading to coughing and shortness of breath.  In addition, there have been cases of severe lung injuries, such as EVALI, which are linked to certain additives, such as the vitamin E acetate and THC in vaping products. Other chemicals have been linked to the illness as well.

Most vaping products contain nicotine which is highly addictive, often leading to dependence and increased consumption. Additionally, nicotine exposure during adolescence can harm brain development.  Vape devices are noncombustible, due to their electronic properties. The user receives the full strength of every hit. Vaping exposes users to thousands of chemicals which can lead to long-term health effects.

The vaping industry is often less regulated than traditional tobacco products, leading to variations in the quality and compromising the safety of the vaping products.

E-cigarette devices can explode and cause burns and projectile injuries. Such risk is significantly increased when batteries are of poor quality, stored improperly, or modified by users.

Intentional or accidental exposure to e-liquids (from drinking, eye contact, or dermal contact) can result in adverse health effects, including but not limited to seizures, anoxic brain injury, vomiting, lactic acidosis, and death.

Quitting is doable and worth it! Visit the resources below to begin your quit journey.

PA Free Quitline

The online and telephone-based cessation counseling program uses proven strategies that have helped more than 1.5 million people quit tobacco.

• 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669)

• 1-855-DEJELO-YA (335-3569)

• https://pa.quitlogix.org/en-us/

My Life My Quit – Just for Teens

My Life, My Quit is the free and confidential way to quit smoking or vaping.

• Text "Start My Quit" to 36072

• https://pa.mylifemyquit.org/en-us/

Smokefree.gov

Visit smokefree.gov to learn about quitting tools, nicotine-replacement therapies, coping strategies, and other quitting resources!