What Is Vaping?

Vaping is the use of an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or other electronic nicotine delivery device. These battery-powered devices heat a liquid to create an aerosol that is inhaled into the lungs.

Vaping products come in many forms, including:

• Disposable e-cigarettes
• Rechargeable vape pens
• Pod-based devices
• Refillable vape systems

Many vaping products contain nicotine, while others may contain cannabis (THC) or other substances.

Although vaping does not involve burning tobacco like a cigarette, it is not harmless. The aerosol produced by these devices can contain substances that may be harmful to the lungs and body.

Are Vapes Safe?

No tobacco or nicotine product is completely safe. Most vape products contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance that can affect the developing brain.

Young people are especially vulnerable because the brain continues developing into the mid-20s. Nicotine exposure during this time can affect:

• Attention and learning
• Memory
• Mood and emotions
• Decision-making
• The risk of developing nicotine addiction

Some vape products contain nicotine levels that are higher than traditional cigarettes, increasing the risk of dependence.

What Is in Vape Aerosol?

The aerosol from e-cigarettes is often called "vapor," but it is not simply water vapor. Vape aerosol is chemically engineered to travel deep into your lungs and cause immediate tissue damage.

Depending on the product, vape aerosol may contain:

• Nicotine
• Ultrafine particles that can reach deep into the lungs
• Flavoring chemicals
• Heavy metals such as nickel, tin, and lead
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• Other chemicals that may irritate the lungs

Many ingredients used in vape liquids have not been studied for the long-term effects of repeated heating and inhalation.

Why Are Flavors Used in Vapes?

Many vaping products are available in flavors such as fruit, candy, mint, and dessert.

Flavors can make products more appealing, especially to young people, and may mask the harsh taste of nicotine. However, flavored products are not safer simply because they taste better.

How Does Vaping Affect Lung Health?

Researchers are continuing to study the long-term health effects of vaping. Current evidence shows that vaping can:

• Irritate the airways
• Cause coughing and throat irritation
• Increase inflammation in the lungs
• Worsen symptoms for people with asthma or other lung conditions

Because vaping products are relatively new, the full long-term impact on lung health is still being studied.

Does Vaping Help People Quit Smoking?

Some adults who smoke cigarettes use e-cigarettes as part of an effort to quit smoking. However, e-cigarettes are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a smoking cessation medication.

FDA-approved quit-smoking medications include:

• Nicotine patches
• Nicotine gum
• Nicotine lozenges
• Nicotine inhalers
• Nicotine nasal spray
• Prescription medications such as bupropion (Zyban) and varenicline (Chantix)

People who want to quit smoking should talk with a healthcare professional about the best options for their situation.

Why Are Youth and Young Adults at Greater Risk?

Most youth who use nicotine products start with vaping rather than traditional cigarettes.

Young people may be drawn to vaping because of:

• Flavors
• Appealing designs
• Social influences
• Misunderstanding the risks
• Believing vaping is harmless

Nicotine addiction can develop quickly, and many young people who vape report wanting to quit but having difficulty stopping.

What Parents, Caregivers, and Educators Should Know

Youth vaping can be difficult to recognize because many devices are small, discreet, and easy to hide.

Signs a young person may be vaping include:

• Unfamiliar devices or chargers
• Sweet scents
• Increased thirst
• Coughing or throat irritation
• Mood changes
• Increased secrecy

The best way to address vaping is through open, supportive conversations. Education and support are more effective than shame or punishment.

Is Vaping Regulated?

E-cigarettes are regulated as tobacco products under federal and state law.

In New Hampshire:

• The legal sales age for tobacco and nicotine products, including e-cigarettes, is 21.
• E-cigarette use is restricted in locations covered by the New Hampshire Indoor Smoking Act.

Laws and regulations may change over time. For current information, visit official state resources.