Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) deliver nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals via an inhaled aerosol. While often marketed as safer than traditional cigarettes, they are not risk-free and carry various side effects:
Common Short-Term Side Effects
- Throat/Mouth Irritation & Coughing: The aerosol can cause dryness, sore throat, and coughing, especially for new users.
- Headaches & Dizziness: Frequently reported, often linked to nicotine intake.
- Nausea: Can occur, sometimes related to nicotine or specific flavorings.
Nicotine-Related Effects
- Addiction: E-cigarettes contain highly addictive nicotine, leading to dependence.
- Increased Heart Rate & Blood Pressure: Nicotine acts as a stimulant, impacting the cardiovascular system.
Potential Lung Health Risks
- Lung Irritation & Inflammation: Aerosol chemicals can inflame lung tissue, potentially impairing function.
- EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping product use-Associated Lung Injury): A severe, sometimes fatal lung illness linked primarily to vitamin E acetate in THC-containing cartridges (especially from informal sources), but also potentially other chemicals in e-liquids.
- Exacerbation of Respiratory Conditions: Can worsen asthma or COPD.
Other Potential Health Concerns
- Chemical Exposure: Aerosols can contain harmful substances like ultrafine particles, volatile organic compounds, heavy metals (nickel, lead), and flavoring chemicals linked to lung damage (e.g., diacetyl).
- Accidental Poisoning: Nicotine in e-liquids is highly toxic if ingested or absorbed through skin, posing risks, especially to children.
How Do Risks Compare to Smoking?
While e-cigarette aerosol generally contains fewer cancer-causing chemicals than cigarette smoke, they still pose significant health risks. The long-term health effects, particularly concerning chronic lung diseases and cardiovascular health, are still being studied but are known to be harmful. E-cigarettes are not FDA-approved as cessation devices and their long-term safety profile remains less established than for approved nicotine replacement therapies (patches, gum).
Conclusion: E-cigarettes are associated with multiple negative health effects, from immediate irritation and nicotine addiction to potentially severe lung damage and cardiovascular impacts. They are not a safe alternative to smoking, especially for youth, young adults, pregnant women, and non-smokers.
