Vaping: Risks and Realities of Lung Damage

Vaping is often perceived as a safer alternative to smoking, yet it does not mitigate the risk of lung damage. Tobacco smoke is known to damage lung tissue, increase mucus production, and cause inflammation, contributing to lung conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), explains Dr. Sanjay Sethi, a distinguished professor at the University at Buffalo.

E-cigarettes, though devoid of tobacco, are laden with potential toxins. E-liquids may contain nicotine, acrolein, and heavy metals, alongside vitamin E acetate found in some THC-based vapes, which has been linked to EVALI—a lung condition marked by coughing, shortness of breath, and an elevated heart rate.

Ingredients like propylene glycol, deemed safe for food, might pose risks when inhaled. "Heating e-liquids replicates harmful substances found in tobacco," Dr. Sethi noted.

A 2020 study revealed e-cigarettes users face a 43% increased risk of developing respiratory issues including COPD, asthma, and chronic bronchitis.

The Dilemma of Switching to Vapes

Many smokers transition from cigarettes to vapes to diminish lung disease risks. However, experts caution the long-term health impacts of vaping remain uncertain.

Dr. Daniel R. Ouellette from Henry Ford Health warns that while short-term risks for smokers using vape devices are evident, long-term consequences remain elusive due to the unstudied effects of prolonged vaping.

Research indicates that dual-use of vapes and cigarettes heightens the risk of respiratory diseases beyond that of using either product individually. "Different chemicals from smoking and vaping could compound risks," Ouellette emphasized.

The Continued Popularity of Vaping Among Youth

Despite a decline in vaping among U.S. middle and high schoolers and a Supreme Court upholding of an FDA ban on certain flavored vapes, e-cigarettes maintain popularity among young adults. In 2023, 15.5% of adults aged 21-24 engaged in vaping, contrasting with 3.3% of the 50-64 age group.

Dr. Jorge M. Mercado from NYU Langone Hospital-Brooklyn highlights concerns about e-cigarette addiction, driven by nicotine, alongside potential lung damage. Notably, in 2019, a 16-year-old became the first in the U.S. to undergo a double-lung transplant due to vaping-induced damage.

The prevalence of lung diseases among young vapers, often unacquainted with traditional smoking, underscores the critical need for awareness of vaping-related health risks.