Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling the aerosol, often referred to as vapor, which is produced by an e-cigarette or similar device. The term vaping is used because e-cigarettes do not produce tobacco smoke, but rather an aerosol, often mistaken for water vapor, that actually consists of fine particles. Many of these particles contain varying amounts of toxic chemicals, which have been linked to health risks, including respiratory and heart disease.

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What are the dangers of vaping?

1. Nicotine Addiction: Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can lead to long-term health issues.

2. Toxins and Carcinogens: The aerosol from e-cigarettes can contain toxic chemicals, including formaldehyde, heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds, which have been linked to cancer.

3. Respiratory Problems: Inhaling the aerosol from e-cigarettes can irritate the lungs and lead to breathing difficulties.

4. Increased Risk of Heart Disease: Nicotine causes the arteries to constrict, which can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

5. Unregulated Products: Many e-cigarettes are not regulated by the FDA and may contain unknown or unsafe ingredients.

6. Risk to Young People: The developing brains and bodies of young people are especially vulnerable to the health effects of nicotine.

7. Addiction: Addiction in the growing brain may set up pathways for later addiction to other substances.

8. Brain risks: Nicotine affects your brain development. This can make it harder to learn and concentrate. Some of the brain changes are permanent and can affect your mood and ability to control your impulses as an adult.

9. Use of other tobacco products: Studies show that vaping makes it more likely that someone will try other tobacco products, like regular cigarettes, cigars, hookahs, and smokeless tobacco.

10. Toxins (poisons): The vapor made from e-cigarettes is not made of water. The vapor contains harmful chemicals and very fine particles that are inhaled into the lungs and exhaled into the environment.

11. Sports: You want to do your best in sports, and vaping may lead to lung inflammation (irritation).

12. Money: Vaping is expensive! The cost of the cartridges over time starts to add up. Instead, you could spend that money on other things you need or enjoy.

Wanting to be the best, healthiest version of yourself is an important reason to quit vaping. Why stop? In some states, deaths have occurred. E-cigarette aerosol inhaled deep into your lungs can contain cancer-causing chemicals, heavy metals, and ultrafine particles that can harm not only your lungs but the rest of your body.

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