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The Long-Term Effects of Vaping: Unhealthy Consequences for US Vapers

By Know Your Vape · · Updated

Contents

Vaping has become common among adults who smoke and, more worryingly, among young people. Because vapes have been widely used for less than two decades, the long-term effects are not yet fully known.

This article covers what the evidence shows so far: health risks, nicotine addiction, effects on young people, how vapes are regulated, and the accidents that do happen. It is written for adults; if you don't smoke or vape, don't start.

Health Risks Associated with Vaping

Health agencies agree on two points. Vaping is not risk-free, and for adults who switch completely from smoking, it is far less harmful than continuing to smoke. The FDA says e-cigarettes can be a lower-risk alternative for adults who smoke, but they deliver harmful chemicals and more high-quality research is needed.

Respiratory Issues: Vaping can irritate the airways. Cough, throat irritation and wheezing are commonly reported, and researchers are still studying whether long-term vaping causes lasting lung disease. The most serious lung injuries seen so far came from the 2019 EVALI outbreak, which the CDC strongly linked to vitamin E acetate in illicit THC vaping products.

Cardiovascular Problems: Nicotine raises heart rate and blood pressure in the short term. Whether long-term vaping raises the risk of heart disease or stroke is still being studied.

Cancer Risk: Cancer Research UK says there is no good evidence that vaping causes cancer, while noting the long-term effects aren't yet known. The National Academies found conclusive evidence that switching completely from cigarettes to e-cigarettes reduces exposure to many toxicants and carcinogens.

Immune Function: Some laboratory studies suggest e-cigarette aerosol may affect immune cells in the airways. Whether this leads to more infections in real-world vapers is not yet established.

Oral Health: Dry mouth is a common side effect, and dry mouth can raise the risk of gum and dental problems over time. Drink water, keep up oral hygiene and see a dentist regularly.

The evidence so far points to real but smaller risks than smoking, with long-term effects still unknown. That is why non-smokers shouldn't start, and why adults who switch should aim to stop smoking completely.

The next section covers nicotine addiction and withdrawal.

Nicotine Addiction and Withdrawal Symptoms

Nicotine’s Addictive Properties

Most vapes contain nicotine, which the FDA describes as highly addictive. The National Academies found substantial evidence that vaping causes symptoms of dependence, with moderate evidence that the risk and severity are lower than with cigarettes.

Nicotine triggers the release of dopamine and other brain chemicals, which reinforces the habit. Over time the body builds tolerance, and stopping brings withdrawal.

Withdrawal Symptoms Experienced by Vapers

When people stop vaping, they often experience withdrawal symptoms. Intensity and duration vary. Common symptoms include:

  • Cravings: Strong urges to vape.
  • Mood Changes: Anxiety, irritability and restlessness.
  • Difficulty Concentrating: Trouble focusing during the first weeks.
  • Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty sleeping in the early stages of quitting.
  • Increased Appetite: Some people eat more after quitting.

These symptoms usually ease with time. A doctor or stop smoking service can help, and nicotine replacement therapy can reduce cravings.

For more information on the negative effects of vaping and the risks associated with nicotine addiction, visit KnowYourVape.com for a comprehensive guide.

Impact on Youth and Adolescents

Youth vaping is the area of greatest concern. In 2024, the CDC reports that 1.63 million US middle and high school students (5.9%) currently used e-cigarettes.

Nicotine and the developing brain: The CDC warns that nicotine can harm the parts of an adolescent's brain that control attention, learning, mood and impulse control. Young people can also become dependent on nicotine.

Gateway to smoking: The National Academies found substantial evidence that e-cigarette use by youth and young adults increases their risk of ever using cigarettes.

In the US it is illegal to sell e-cigarettes to anyone under 21. Parents and schools can help by talking openly about nicotine and addiction, and young people who already vape can get help to quit from a doctor or a youth quit program.

For more information on the dangers of vaping, please visit KnowYourVape.com where you can learn about the negative effects of vaping and the risks associated with e-cigarettes.

Lack of Regulation and Quality Control

Vapes are regulated in the US, but gaps remain, especially for illicit and unauthorized products.

The FDA regulates the manufacture, labeling and sale of e-cigarettes and e-liquids. Products must receive FDA marketing authorization, and the FDA keeps a list of authorized products. Many products on the market have not been authorized, and illicit products may not match their labels.

Unknown ingredients are the main risk with products from informal sources. E-liquids typically contain propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, flavorings and nicotine. Illicit products can contain other substances, as the EVALI outbreak showed with vitamin E acetate in THC products.

Buy from legal retailers, avoid products from informal sources, and never add substances to e-liquid.

For more information on the dangers of vaping and its potential health consequences, check out our article on vaping health concerns.

Accidents are less common than everyday health effects but can be serious. Here are the main types.

Exploding vape devices

The National Academies found conclusive evidence that e-cigarettes can explode and cause burns and projectile injuries. The risk rises with poor-quality batteries, improper storage or user modification. Follow the FDA's battery safety advice: use recommended batteries, carry spares in a case, and replace damaged or wet batteries.

Accidental ingestion of e-liquids

E-liquid containing nicotine is poisonous if swallowed, especially for children and pets. Even a small amount can cause vomiting, dizziness and a fast heart rate, and serious poisoning can be life-threatening.

Keep e-liquid in child-resistant containers, locked away. If someone swallows e-liquid, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 right away.

Fires and burns caused by vaping

Most vape fires start with the battery, often during charging or when loose batteries touch metal in a pocket. The FDA advises charging on a clean, flat surface where you can see it, never overnight, and never with a phone or tablet charger.

These incidents are a reminder that vaping carries risks beyond the health effects. Following battery and storage safety rules prevents most of them.

For more information on the dangers and negative effects of vaping, visit KnowYourVape.com.

Conclusion

The long-term effects of vaping are not yet fully known. What is known: nicotine is addictive, vaping can irritate the airways, and young people face particular risks to the developing brain.

For adults who smoke, switching completely to vaping is far less harmful than continuing to smoke, and nicotine e-cigarettes help more people quit than nicotine replacement therapy. The goal should be to stop smoking completely and, over time, to stop vaping too.

If you don't smoke, don't start. If you want to quit nicotine, a doctor or local stop smoking service can help you choose the right approach.

For more information on the dangers of vaping, negative effects of vaping, and vaping health concerns, please visit KnowYourVape.com.

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