What is in the aerosol or “vapor”?
ENDS aerosol is not harmless water vapor!
The aerosol is created when an e-liquid is heated. There are many factors that influence what types and amounts of harmful substances are in the aerosol. The type of e-liquid and its ingredients, and the amount of power and temperature used to heat the aerosol all affect what is in the aerosol. This can make researching e-cigarettes harder because there are so many different combinations to test. Some of the harmful substances are more likely to be in the aerosol when a high power (voltage) and temperature are used. (Source)
ENDS aerosol can contain harmful and potentially harmful substances including:
- nicotine
- fine and ultra-fine particles
- volatile organic compounds
- heavy metals
- cancer-causing chemicals → formaldehyde (human carcinogen), acetaldehyde (possibly carcinogenic)
- other substances, depending on the flavoring used in the e-liquid and the temperature it’s heated to
Is vaping safer than smoking?
No.
As research on the risks of ENDS is continuing to emerge, we are increasingly learning that the impacts of e-cigarettes and combustible cigarettes on health are similar. Both contain nicotine, which is known to be harmful, especially in pregnancy. Some vapes have much higher levels of nicotine than cigarettes, and could have greater impact on pregnancy as well as increased levels of addiction. The other ingredients in e-cigarettes, including the flavorings and chemicals in the liquid, are harmful to the lungs, leading to lung cell damage and cell death.
What about “secondhand” aerosol?
Studies show that when someone uses an e-cigarette, it increases the amount of nicotine and particles in the air around them. The nicotine and particles can be inhaled by people around the person who is vaping. Research is showing that exposure to secondhand “vape” has many of the same risks as using the e-cigarettes directly. Children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with heart or breathing problems should avoid secondhand aerosol because it is not clean air and contains nicotine. (Source: NASEM Report)
Is e-liquid or e-juice poisonous?
E-liquids that contain nicotine can cause nicotine poisoning, skin burns, and can be extremely toxic if swallowed. In fact, one teaspoon of nicotine liquid can be fatal to a 20-pound toddler. E-cigarette liquids and the devices that hold them should be kept away from young children or pets, and if they come into contact with skin or are swallowed, contact poison control immediately. Poison control experts can be reached 24/7 for free through the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 1-800-222-1222.
Do e-cigarettes explode?
There have also been many reports of e-cigarette devices exploding and causing serious injuries, such as severe burns to the hands, face, and groin. Recently, a man in Texas died when his vape pen exploded (read here).
Find more information about electronic cigarettes, tobacco, and free 24/7 confidential support to quit at QuitlineNC.com.
How do e-cigarettes work?
How do ENDS work?
ENDS devices have a battery-powered heating element that heats up a liquid. The liquids contain nicotine and flavorings dissolved in propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerin. When the liquid is heated, it creates an aerosol that is inhaled by the user. These liquids can come in bottles for refilling e-cigarettes or pre-filled cartridges or pods. These liquids are often called e-liquid or e-juice.
What is in e-liquid?
Water, nicotine, propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerin, and flavoring compounds are the commonly listed ingredients in e-liquids. But researchers have found that each e-liquid can actually have 60-70 compounds or ingredients. When the liquid is heated, these ingredients can change into other chemicals and compounds that may not be safe. Source. We do not know the effects of inhaling propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin or many of the flavorings used in e-liquids. Consuming these substances in food products is considered safe, but we don’t know if it’s safe to breathe them into the lungs. (Source)
What is in the aerosol or “vapor”?
ENDS aerosol is not harmless water vapor!
The aerosol is created when an e-liquid is heated. There are many factors that influence what types and amounts of harmful substances are in the aerosol. The type of e-liquid and its ingredients, and the amount of power and temperature used to heat the aerosol all affect what is in the aerosol. This can make researching e-cigarettes harder because there are so many different combinations to test. Some of the harmful substances are more likely to be in the aerosol when a high power (voltage) and temperature are used. (Source)ENDS aerosol can contain harmful and potentially harmful substances including:
- nicotine
- fine and ultra-fine particles
- volatile organic compounds
- heavy metals
- cancer-causing chemicals → formaldehyde (human carcinogen), acetaldehyde (possibly carcinogenic)
- other substances, depending on the flavoring used in the e-liquid and the temperature it’s heated to
How might the chemicals in e-cigarettes affect my body?
We break it down here.
Find more information about electronic cigarettes, tobacco, and free 24/7 confidential support to quit at QuitlineNC.com.
Vaping and Pregnancy
Is vaping safe during pregnancy? No.
Most vaping products contain nicotine, which is known to be harmful to a developing baby. Nicotine use in pregnancy can harm a baby’s developing brain, can cause babies to be born too small or too early, and increases the chance of miscarriage, stillbirth, and SIDS. Many studies have now shown that the use of e-cigarettes during pregnancy has very similar impacts on pregnancy and birth outcomes compared to combustible cigarettes. Both are harmful to pregnancy.
What if the e-cigarette is nicotine free?
Many e-cigarette products claim to be “nicotine free,” but many of the products labeled this way have been shown to contain nicotine. The ingredients in vaping products are not checked by the FDA, so it is up to the people manufacturing and marketing the products to label them as they wish. More and more research is showing that in addition to nicotine being harmful, the flavoring compounds in e-cigarettes are also harmful, leading to lung cell damage and even lung cell death.
Avoiding or quitting e-cigarettes and all tobacco products is important to protecting the health of both you and your baby.
Find more information about electronic cigarettes, tobacco, and free 24/7 confidential support to quit at QuitlineNC.org.