From the Guidelines
Vaping is not recommended due to its health risks, and individuals should be advised to avoid vaping and using e-cigarettes, either as an approach to stop smoking combustible cigarettes or as a recreational drug. Vaping involves inhaling aerosol from electronic cigarettes or similar devices that typically contain nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. While initially marketed as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, research has shown that vaping can cause serious lung damage, including a condition called EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury) 1. Vaping products contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can harm adolescent brain development. The aerosol also contains harmful substances like heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, and ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs.
Some of the key health risks associated with vaping include:
- Cardiovascular risks, such as increased risk of arrhythmias and hypertension 1
- Respiratory risks, such as lung damage and respiratory failure 1
- Neurological risks, such as nicotine addiction and harm to adolescent brain development 1
- Cancer risks, such as increased risk of oral cancer and other cancers 1
For those using vaping as a smoking cessation tool, it's better to consider FDA-approved methods like nicotine replacement therapies (patches, gum, lozenges), prescription medications like Chantix (varenicline) or Zyban (bupropion), or behavioral counseling 1. These alternatives have been thoroughly tested for safety and effectiveness, unlike vaping products which remain largely unregulated and with unknown long-term effects. The developing lungs of teenagers and young adults are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of vaping, making it especially dangerous for this age group.
Recent studies have highlighted the importance of advising individuals with diabetes to avoid vaping and using e-cigarettes, as they pose significant health risks, including increased risk of cardiovascular disease and respiratory problems 1. Overall, the evidence suggests that vaping is not a safe or effective way to quit smoking, and individuals should be advised to avoid it altogether.
From the FDA Drug Label
Stop use and ask a doctor if ... you get symptoms of nicotine overdose such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, weakness, and rapid heartbeat The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Vaping Overview
- Vaping has grown in popularity over the past decade, with teens and young adults being the biggest users of vape pens 2
- The effects of chronic vaping on the respiratory system are not well understood, and the role of vaping as a tool for smoking cessation and tobacco harm reduction remains controversial 2
Health Impacts of Vaping
- The 2019 E-cigarette or Vaping Use-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI) outbreak highlighted the potential harms of vaping 2
- Vaping is not without risk, and further investigation is required to establish clear public policy guidance and regulation 2
- Chronic vaping may have negative impacts on respiratory health, including the effects of vaping on covid-19 outcomes 2
Vaping as a Smoking Cessation Tool
- Nicotine e-cigarettes are effective for smoking cessation, with evidence suggesting similar magnitude of effects to varenicline and cytisine 3
- Secondary analyses of the Cochrane review of e-cigarettes for smoking cessation showed that over half of participants assigned to e-cigarette conditions were still using them at six months or longer 3
- Biomarkers of potential harm significantly reduced in people switching from smoking to vaping or to dual use 3
Comparison to Other Smoking Cessation Methods
- Varenicline, cytisine, bupropion, and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) are all effective pharmacotherapies for smoking cessation 4, 3
- Behavioural counselling and financial incentives are also effective for smoking cessation 3
- Nicotine replacement therapy, especially when patches are combined with fast-acting forms like gum, is effective for smoking cessation 3