E-cigarette use carries documented and potential health risks, with Yahoo Answers users frequently highlighting these concerns based on personal experiences and emerging research.
Nicotine Addiction
Most e-liquids contain highly addictive nicotine, altering brain development in adolescents and sustaining dependence in adults. Withdrawal symptoms include irritability, anxiety, and cravings.
Lung Injuries
Users report concerns about:
- EVALI (E-cigarette/Vaping-Associated Lung Injury): Linked to vitamin E acetate in THC vapes
- “Popcorn Lung”: Potential risk from diacetyl in flavorings causing bronchiolitis obliterans
- Increased asthma attacks and chronic bronchitis
Chemical Exposure
Vapor contains potentially harmful substances:
- Formaldehyde and acrolein (created when e-liquid overheats)
- Heavy metals (nickel, tin, lead) from heating coils
- Ultrafine particles penetrating deep lung tissue
Cardiovascular Risks
Nicotine elevates heart rate and blood pressure. Regular vaping may increase:
- Heart attack risk by up to 34% versus non-users
- Potential for arterial stiffness and platelet aggregation
Youth-Specific Dangers
Adolescent users face particular risks including impaired brain development, gateway effects to combustible cigarettes, and higher susceptibility to addiction.
Unknown Long-Term Consequences
Consistent user concern centers on the lack of longitudinal studies, particularly regarding:
- Chronic lung disease progression
- Cancer risks from prolonged chemical exposure
- Cumulative cardiovascular damage
The FDA cautions that e-cigarettes are not FDA-approved smoking cessation tools and carry inherent health risks, particularly for non-smokers and youth.
